Vincent Gerald Wessling, first born son of Gerald Albert and Audrey Theresa (Meyer, Connell) Wessling, passed away Thursday, May 14th, 2020 at the Cypress Care Center in Wildwood FL.
He was born December 21st, 1940 in Tracy MN. On June 5th, 1958 he married Margene V. Olson. They welcomed 4 children into their lives: Mitzi Margene born in Montevideo, MN; Michelle Maxine born in Gulfport MS; Steven Vincent born in Biloxi MS; and Jill Nadeen born in Montevideo MN.
Vince served in the United States Air Force from June 16th, 1958 to February 3rd, 1966.
Once he rejoined civilian life he returned to Montevideo MN where he was highly active in several civic organizations. He was particularly active in the American Legion, serving as Post Commander in 1987. He was also a Freemason, a member of the elite society The Forty and Eight, as well as the Jaycees.
In 1969 he moved his family to Olivia, MN where he was involved in the aerial industry for many years: as a flight instructor, managing the Olivia airport, and flying charter trips. In the early 70’s he started his business, Aerial Applicators in Lucedale, MS, where he applied fertilizer, herbicides, pesticides, and seeded fields in his beloved Cessna’s. After a plane crash ended his esteemed career in flying, he and Marge returned to Montevideo and started working as caretaker and manager for Eastgate apartments. In 1992 he relocated to Florida, where he lived for the remainder of his life. During his time in Florida, Vince was a member of the Veterans Honor Guard and traveled throughout the state providing military funeral honors for fellow veterans.
He is survived by 3 children: Mitzi (Glen) Briggs of Powell WY, Steven (Terri) Wessling of Blaine MN, and Jill Newhouse (Scott Walters) of Rice Lake WI. 10 grandchildren; Erin (Jason) Moen of Zimmerman MN, Jessica (Brian) Edwards of Saratoga Springs, UT, Tom (Rachel) Goblirsch of Forest Lake, MN, Michelle (Nathan) Foster of Albertville, MN, Abbie (Jake) Johnson of Spooner, WI, Tara (Ramzes) Zavala of Otsego MN, Dylan Newhouse of Albertville, MN, Allison (Riley) Hall of Casper, WY, Shawn Wessling, of Blaine, MN, Eli Briggs USMC, Twentynine Palms, CA. and 18 Great Grandchildren. 2 brothers: Dale (Pamela) Wessling of Leesburg, FL and Gary (Donna) Wessling of Coon Rapids, MN. 1 sister: Janet Wessling of Wilmington, NC.
He is preceded in death by his daughter and son-in-law: Michelle (Tom) Lightfoot, his parents Gerald A and Audrey T (Meyer Connell) Wessling, and brother John A. Wessling.
A celebration of life is being planned for August 2020, in Tracy, MN.
