John Carl Wessel

John Wessel, 63, formerly of Davenport, Iowa, died October 21, 2010, in Austin, Texas. John was born in Moline, Illinois, on July 14, 1947. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Carl J.L. Wessel, and his sister, Barbara Weiner.

John graduated from Rock Island High School in Rock Island, Illinois, and attended the University of Iowa. He served in the Army Reserves. He was founder of Wessel Pattern Co., in Moline, Illinois, where he was in business for 31 years. He had recently retired and he and his wife, Barbara, were residing in Liberty Hill, Texas.

John was an avid bicyclist and was a member of the Quad City Bicycle Club and the Austin Cycling Association. He also enjoyed golf and was formerly a member of Oakwood Country Club in Coal Valley, Illinois, and Crow Valley Golf Club in Davenport, Iowa. He was also a life member of the Masonic Lodge in Rock Island, Illinois.

In addition to his wife, Barbara, John is survived by his sister, Carolyn Cady, Castro Valley, California, stepsons Steven Boyd, Eldridge, Iowa, and Shea Boyd, Horseshoe Bay, Texas, a nephew, David Cady, Danville, California, and nieces, Karen Holtz, Tracy, California, and Christine Viviani, San Leandro, California, as well as several great-nieces and nephews.

John and Barbara enjoyed traveling, particularly on their tandem bicycle, and had shared many memorable trips together including three month long tours of Europe. They had retired to the Texas Hill Country where they were enjoying their country home along with Barbara’s Paint horse, their two Brittany Spaniels, and their Siamese cats.

Cremation will take place on October 28, 2010, at Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home in Burnet, Texas. A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 19, 2010, at First Lutheran Church, 1600 – 20th Street, Rock Island, Illinois, where the Wessel family has worshipped for 3 generations. Pastor Greg Mayer will conduct the service, beginning at 11 AM, with a luncheon following at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the following Livestrong-The Lance Armstrong Foundation; Vera French Foundation or the Humane Society of the United States.

Arrangements by Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home in Burnet, Texas. For condolences please visit www.clementswilcoxburnet.com.