William H. Wessels

William H. Wessels, 88, formerly of Rio, died at 6:14 p.m. on Monday, November 24, 2008 at Knox County Nursing Home, Knoxville.  Bill was born on September 27, 1920 in Sparta Twp., Knox County, Illinois, the son of John Bernard and Barbara Krentz.  He married Verna June Ryan on May 31, 1941 in St. Louis, MO.  Surviving Bill are, his wife, June; 4 sons, William Lee (Michelle) of Alexis, Gary B. of Galesburg, Rex E. of Knoxville, and Dale B. “Ben” of Crete; a daughter, Marjorie Elaine (Gene) Likes of Oneida; and a sister, Marion Larson of Galesburg.  Also surviving are 21 grandchildren, 45 great grandchildren, and 11 great great grandchildren.    Bill was preceded in death by a son Terry Paul Wessels and brothers, Charles R., John Elmer, Raymond R., Frances V., Bernard; and sisters, Agnes Marie Shaw, Helen Adams, and Louise A. Trulson. Bill owned and operated his own grain and livestock farm near Rio.  He also had worked for the State of Illinois, the Knox County Highway Department and the Galesburg Mental Health Center.  Bill was an avid horse breeder and owner.  He belonged to the Illinois Horseman’s Benevolent and Protective Association and the Illinois Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Foundation.  He was also a member of the Knox County Farm Bureau and the Knox County Democrats and was elected Supervisor of Rio Township.  He was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church.  Bill was recognized by local, regional, and state associations for his numerous contributions to agriculture, 4H, and FFA activities. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Friday, November 28 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, in Galesburg, with the Rev. Ernest Pizzamiglio officiating.  Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday at Watson Funeral Home, Galesburg, with the rosary being prayed at 8 p.m.  Burial will be in St. Josephs Cemetery, Galesburg.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Knox County Nursing Home Audubon Society.