John William Wessels Sr.

John William Wessels Sr., 86, left us forever this year from his temporary home in Anchorage, Alaska, on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2017. He lived in Alaska for 44 years and opened his own business in industrial lighting.

John was born in Greencreek, Idaho, on Nov. 13, 1930. After high school he enlisted in the Air Force for 2 years and spent some time in pre-war Korea. He returned to the U.S. with the rank of a Staff Sergeant and was honorably discharged. After his discharge he went to Gonzaga University, got married and was blessed with 4 children. After a divorce he lived a Bachelor’s life for 7 years, in Seattle, Washington, and decided to move to Alaska permanently. In 1976 John remarried. After 20 years in the city he built his retirement home on Stephan Lake in the Mat-Su Valley.

John was a life member of the Elks Club, VFW, American Legion and the Amvets.

John leaves behind his wife of 40 years Waltraud Wessels; sons John W. Wessels Jr., Robert & Katarina Wessels, Daniel & Karin Wessels; stepson Loren B. Childress; daughter Susan & John Magee; and 16 grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

John had a stroke 2 years ago and resided in Anchorage, Alaska in the care of a Nursing Home.

Arrangements were under the direction of Valley Funeral Home, Wasilla, Alaska.