Anthony Bernard Wessel, Sr., 94, of Montgomery City, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at StoneBridge Senior Living in Hermann.
Anthony was born on July 5, 1932, in St. Rose, Ill., to August Wessel and Anna (Hazelhorst) Wessel. On July 30, 1960, in St. Louis, he married the love of his life, LaVerne Kathleen (Schaefer) Wessel. Anthony and LaVerne shared 66 wonderful years of marriage, creating a lifetime of memories together.
Anthony proudly served his country when he entered the United States Army in January 1954. Following his military service, Anthony dedicated many years to his career as a truck driver, working for Pepsi and later for Co-Op.
Anthony was a man who enjoyed the simple pleasures in life and never needed much to have a good time. He loved riding horses and tractors, playing cards, horseshoes, cornhole and yard darts. He enjoyed being outdoors, camping and canoeing. He especially cherished the time he spent visiting and making memories with his beloved friends and family.
Anthony was a member of the Knights of Columbus and a devoted member of Immaculate Conception Church in Montgomery City. He was also a proud member of Montgomery City VFW Post 4436.
Those who knew Anthony will remember him as a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He treasured his family dearly and was happiest when surrounded by the people he loved. His kind heart, stories, friendship and love for life will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Mr. Wessel is survived by his wife, LaVerne Wessel; children: Anthony “Tony” (Betty) Wessel, Jr. of Montgomery City, Mary (Kenny) Ridgway of New Florence, Sharon “Sheri” (Kevin) McGinnis of Pella, Iowa; grandchildren: Landall (Angela) Wessel of Montgomery City, Nicole (Jeremy) Hines of High Hill, Corey (Alis) McDonald of San Antonio, Texas, Danielle (Josh) Davis of Winfield, Riva (Jake) McFadden of Moberly, Josey (Kayla) Ridgway of Columbia, Clayton (Rachel) Ridgway of Warrenton, Lauren (Micah) McNeely of Knoxville, Iowa, Kirsten (Alex) Veenstra of Oskaloosa, Iowa, Caleb (Grace) McGinnis of Knoxville, Iowa, Kaitlyn McGinnis of Pella, Iowa; and great-grandchildren: Tatum Wessel, Kenley Wessel, Lillyan Hines, Jovie Hines, Trevor McDonald, Chloe McDonald, Colton McDonald, Jocelynn Davis, Beckham Davis, Mercy McFadden, Caleb McFadden, Joshua McFadden, Elijah McFadden, Jonah Ridgway, Ezekiel “Zeke” McNeely, Erin McNeely, Tabitha McNeely, Seamus “Shay” McNeely, Javen Veenstra, Maxine McGinnis and one on the way.
He was preceded in death by his parents, August and Anna Wessel; daughter, Margaret “Margie” Wessel; great-grandson, Benson Davis; niece, Margie G’Sell; nephew, David Venhaus; and siblings, Marie Luber, Betty Venhaus, Alphonse “Al” Wessel, Veronica Gall, Alfred Wessel and Eugenia Wessel.
A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on August 15 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Montgomery City, with Father Ernest Dike officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow in the Montgomery City Cemetery.
A visitation will be held from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. on August 14 at Schlanker Funeral Home in Montgomery City.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church or to the VFW Post 4436, in care of Schlanker Funeral Home, 207 Danville Road, Montgomery City, Missouri 63361.
