Konrad Wessel

With German folk music playing beside his bed, Konrad Wessel died peacefully from the infirmities of old age on Wednesday, the 6th of July 2023. He eagerly followed his beloved wife, Lilly, who preceded him in death by 20 days.

Konrad’s childhood in Yugoslavia (now Slovenia) during World War II was not easy. His family was displaced from their home and migrated to Austria, where fourteen-year-old Konrad left his family to live independently, carrying luggage and working in the dining room at a hotel in Klagenfurt. He often recalled those days, however, as some of the happiest in his life. He was grateful to have a job that provided a comfortable room and nourishing meals. He often spoke of the generosity of strangers who welcomed him into their homes for family meals and gatherings and included him in their social network.

In the early 1950s, he emigrated to the United States, where he was promptly drafted into the United States Army to serve as a medic in the Korean War. While he didn’t love the Army, he was proud to be granted United States citizenship in Seoul in recognition of his service. He was honorably discharged as a corporal after two years.

Konrad attended vocational school and became a skilled tool and die maker, a position he held until he retired in his mid-sixties. While not interested in climbing the management ladder, he became a great resource to his co-workers and was widely sought to help with complex jobs and repairs. His quick wit and sarcasm were other reasons everyone, including his best friend, Casey Lipski, stopped by his bench to chat.

Konrad married in his early thirties in New York, where he had his son, Robert. He later moved to Chicago and welcomed his daughter, Evelyn. These times were not always happy, and he divorced after eighteen years of marriage.

Fortunately, soon thereafter he met his wife, Lilly, at what became their favorite German restaurant, The Brauhaus, in Chicago. Konrad and Lilly built a beautiful 40-year life together with their blended family and supportive friends. Over these happy years, they attended numerous meetings and events that reminded them of their European roots, including with the Alpine Ski Club, the Gottscheer Club and the Holzhackers Dance Group.

They had five loving children, Harry (the late Susan) Eiler, Heidi (the late Erwin) Ruppenthal, the late Ricky Eiler, Robert Wessel, and Evelyn (Frank) Angelle; eight grandchildren, Lisa (Michael) Sayerstad, Barrie (Sam) Moellering, Brett (Kirby) Eiler, Eric (Caity) Eiler, Alex Ruppenthal, Kurt Ruppenthal, Jorge (Alexis) Montano and Sean (Rose) Angelle; and eight great-grandchildren.

The Family Will Gather At A Later Date, For A Private Inurnment At St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery in Chicago, Illinois

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions in Konrad’s memory may be directed to FEI Houston Scholarship Foundation by visiting www.feihoustonfoundation.org, HSVPA Friends by visiting www.hspvafriends.org or Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas by visiting www.jahouston.org.