Wendell Wessman

Wendell D. Wessman, Professor Emeritus of Mankato State University, Mankato, died at the age of 82 at his home on April 18.
Memorial service 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 5, 2004 at the First Presbyterian Church, Mankato, Rev. Paul Collier officiating. Visitation one hour before services at church.

Wendell was born to Arthur and Esther (Lindberg) Wessman, in Meeker County, Minnesota, on May 5, 1921. He attended the local rural elementary and high schools, the University of Minnesota, Trinity Seminary, and South Dakota State University, earning B.S., B.D., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees. In addition to serving pastorates in Minnesota, he was Superintendent of the Christian Childrens Home in Holdrege, Nebraska. In 1964, he demitted the ministry to begin an academic career, teaching in Arkansas and South Dakota, but mainly in Minnesota. He retired from what is now Minnesota State University, Mankato, in 1986, and devoted his retirement years to hobbies and volunteer work.

He is survived by his devoted wife of sixty years, Vernice Helen (Meyer) Wessman; two daughters, Mary and her husband Robert of Roscommon, MI, and Rebecca of Mankato; two sons, James and his wife Nicholee of Albany, NY, and Daniel and his wife Carol of Mankato; two brothers, Quentin and his wife Dorothy of Hopkins, MN, and Daryl and his wife Lillian of Dassel, MN; two sisters, Muriel and her husband Calvin of Bellingham, WA, and Lavonne and her husband John of Eden Prairie, MN; seven grandchildren, James, Chad, Molly, Ian, Jessica, Coral, and Calum; and nieces and nephews. He was anticipating the arrival of the first great-grandchild in June.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one infant sister, two brothers, Leland and his wife Adeline, and Elwood, whose wife Audrey survives him.

If so desired, the family requests any memorials be given to the North Central Blood Services of the American Red Cross, 100 South Robert Street, St. Paul, MN 55107.