- Date Of Birth: February 7, 1939
- Date Of Death: February 17, 2022
- State: Iowa
Born to Ray & Elsie Wessels on February 7, 1939, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, Richard “Rick” Lee Wessels was a life-long Palmer resident. Rick graduated from Palmer High School in 1957. In high school, Rick recalls running the 100-yard dash at the State Track meet, having only practiced running on a grass track prior to the state meet.
Following high school, Rick proudly served his country in the Army Reserve from 1957 -1963.
Rick married Karen Kay Buhs in 1959. The couple made their home in Palmer where they raised five children, all graduates of Palmer High School: Kellie (Mike) Wells; Gregg (Julie Aden); Jackie (Eric) Hanson; and twins, Marci (Kevin) Pickhinke and Mark (Nancy Mullen). Rick and Karen were married for 29 years prior to her passing away in 1988.
Blessed to find true love twice, Rick met and married Judy Pemble in 1993. Through their marriage, Rick gained two stepchildren: J.D. (Heather Hilton) Pemble and Jennifer (Mark) Pearson.
In 1938, Rick’s Dad, Ray Wessels, began Wessels Oil Company. Later, Rick and his brother Ron joined their family’s business. The two brothers purchased The Wessels Oil Co. from their father in 1974. Rick co-owned and operated Wessels Oil Co until he retired in 2002.
He is survived by his wife Judy, his five children, his two stepchildren, 16 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, brother Ronald (Liz) Wessels, sister Mary Ann (Paul) Muenzenmay, sister Rita Wessels, brother-in-law Dannie (Betty) Buhs, sister-in-law Connie Buhs, brother-in-law Roger (Earlys) Tonkinson, and sister-in-law Deanna Mallinger.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Karen, nephew Terry Wessels, niece Debbie Sperry, and brother-in-law David Buhs.
Memorials may be left to Twin Lakes Bible Camp.
