Wayne Richard Wessel

Wayne R. Wessel, age 90, of Carlyle, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2026, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Breese. Born on November 30, 1935, on the family farm in Clinton County, he was the cherished son of Theodore and Ida (Grefe) Wessel. On November 24, 1957, Wayne married his beloved wife, Lola Koehler, and together they created 68 years of treasured memories.

Wayne is survived by his loving wife, Lola; two sons, Jeff Wessel and wife Theresa of Germantown, and Dale Wessel and wife Lisa of Carlyle; and a proud grandfather to Kendra (Dan) Quartz, Morgan Kuhl and special friend John White, Trishia (Mark) Kohnen, Nathan (Angie) Jansen, Melissa (Bryan) Rainey, and Jessica (Kevin) Bachesta. He also adoringly welcomed his great-grandchildren, Lukas and Eli Quartz, Kali and Zoey Kuhl, Christian (Brittany) Kohnen, Riley Kohnen and fiancée Bryleigh Prest, Alaina Kohnen, Quinn and Marley Jansen, Corbin (Mary Kate) Willis, Dylan Willis, and Brooks Rainey; as well as his great-great-grandson, Mateo Kohnen. Additionally, Wayne is survived by a brother, Ted (Rosalie) Wessel, and a sister-in-law, Donna Fauke.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents and nine siblings: LeRoy (Gladys) Wessel, Edwin (Martha) Wessel, Irvin (Bernice) Wessel, Gilbert (Evelyn) Wessel, Alfred (Mary) Wessel, Hilda (Albert) Armstrong, Dorothy (Joe) Liman, Ruth Hanenberger, Marcella (Leroy) Mensing, and Amanda (Norman) Monken. He was also preceded by his sisters-in-law, Gloria Koehler and Naomi (Dale) Wernsman, and brothers-in-law, Wilson Fauke and Moon Koehler

A proud veteran of the United States Army, Wayne served from 1953 to 1956. He was a devoted member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in New Minden. He dedicated many years to his business, M&W Feed Processing, which he owned and operated from 1959 until his retirement in 1997, passing the torch to his son, Dale, until 2002.

He cherished spending time with his grandchildren, and he always had time for a good "makeover" session courtesy of his granddaughters. Known for his patience, loving nature, and that infectious smile, Wayne made friends wherever he went. He was truly one of the nicest men you will ever have the pleasure of knowing. Together with Lola, he was a dedicated fan of the Chicago Cubs, supporting the team through thick and thin.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in New Minden, with Pastor Tim Mueller officiating. Following the service, burial with full military honors will take place at Posey Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 8:00 until 11:45 AM on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in New Minden.

Memorials made in memory of Wayne are suggested to St. John's Lutheran School in Nashville, Trinity Lutheran School in Hoffman, or the Posey Cemetery and will be received at church or at Nordike Funeral Home, 740 Fairfax Street, Carlyle, IL 62231.