Henry Richard Wessel

Henry Richard Wessel passed away peacefully March 20, 2025, at Morris County Hospital at the age of 94.

Henry was born July 2, 1930, in Emporia, KS to Henry D. and Elvira (Williams) Wessel. He graduated from Council Grove High School in 1948. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served 4 years. Henry was on 1 of 17 landing ship tanks (LST) participating in the amphibious invasion during the Korean War Battle of Inchon. He married Bernadine Rees on November 28, 1950. They were married for 68 years until her passing on September 7, 2019.

In 1956, Henry became a Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper. He was stationed in Emporia and Medicine Lodge and retired after 25 years of service. After retirement, Henry had multiple jobs, but he always found time to enjoy life. He loved motorcycle riding, fishing, and spending time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Bea, daughter Michelle Wessel, and his siblings: Maxine Soule, Nadine Russell, and Ron Wessel.

Henry is survived by his children: Barry Wessel and wife Jill, Keith Wessel and wife Lish, all of Council Grove, and Carol Spencer and husband Steve, of Emporia; and sister Ella Mae Kieffer, of Los Lunas, NM. Also surviving are 8 grandchildren: Tracy Spencer, Matt Wessel, Shannon Wessel, Melany Ink, Kris Wessel, Will Spencer, Michael Wessel and Ashley Loyola; 13 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

To celebrate Henry’s life, a memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm, March 28, 2025, at Greenwood Cemetery in Council Grove. Members of the Kansas Highway Patrol Honor Guard will be in attendance, as they will be honoring Henry’s 25 years as a KHP Trooper.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hand in Hand Hospice. They may be sent in care of Sawyer Funeral Home, PO Box 273, Council Grove, KS 66846.