Gerald Wessel

Gerald H. "Porky" Wessel, age 71 of Melrose, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, September 11, 2013 at his home in Melrose, Minnesota.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 14 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose with Rev. Marvin Enneking officiating and Deacon Ernie Kociemba assisting. Interment will be in the parish cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday and from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose. Parish prayers will be held at 7 p.m. Friday evening at the funeral home.

Gerald Henry Wessel was born January 25, 1942 in Melrose Township, Stearns County, Minnesota to Joseph and Thresa (Althaus) Wessel. He graduated from Melrose High School and was a lifelong resident of Melrose. Porky hauled milk for Dierk's Dairy for a number of years. He also worked at Kraft until a fire destroyed the business. He then worked in the shipping department at Jennie-O until his retirement in 2004. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose. Porky enjoyed attending high school sporting events, especially when his granddaughters were participating. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, and attending amateur baseball games.

Survivors include his children, Jeff (Sharon) Wessel of Melrose and Lynn Reller (fiancé, Brad Luhman) of Melrose; four grandchildren, Mindy Wessel, Abby Wessel, Tayler Reller, and Torri Reller; and many loving relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Donald Wessel.

Serving as casket bearers will be Jeff Wessel, Brad Luhman, Gerald Osendorf, Jason Arnzen, Simon Hellermann, and Dan "Tootie" Moening. Cross bearer will be Mindy Wessel and scripture bearers will be Lynn Reller, Tayler Reller, and Torri Reller. Reader will be Abby Wessel. Honorary bearers will be ✝Bernie Schad and Don Andersen.