Obituaries
Jean Louise Wessel
March 27, 1930 - June 6, 2024


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VISITATION
June 15, 2024 | 10:00 A.M. - 12:00 Noon -
Yurs Funeral Home
405 East Main Street
St. Charles, Illinois - Funeral
- June 15, 2024 | 12:00 Noon
- Yurs Funeral Home
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Burial Location
North Cemetery, St. Charles
Jean Louise Wessel, age 94, of Chicago Illinois passed peacefully Thursday June 6th at her home in Asheville North Carolina. Born to Joseph & Georgene (Zoul) Dvorak in 1930 and the oldest of the 3. She was a devoted wife to Elmer G. Wessel and a loving mother to her 4 children Nikki Jean Wessel, the late, Deborah Ann Pittan, Elmer “Glenn” Wessel & Paul Steven (Amy) Wessel. She was blessed to have 6 grandchildren Hillary Dawn (Jake) Schirmer, Donald “Cuyler” (Laurie) Pittan, Kaitlyn Rae Wessel, Collin Boenker Wessel, Peyton Glenn Wessel, Jessica Drake, Ancrum Dean Ballenger (Step Grandchild). 7 Great Grandchildren Bella Schirmer, Dylan (Schirmer), Ethan (Schirmer), Ava (Schirmer), Clara (Pittan), Luke (Pittan), Noelle (Pittan).
Jean grew up in a small town in Indiana, DeMott, where she discovered her love of the outdoors and all types of “rocks.” She moved to a Bohemian neighborhood in Chicago and spent time with her two sisters, Carol Ann (Broyles), Elva Dolores (Mahr) and her many cousins where she crafted her skills as a gifted and accomplished pianist, favoring pieces by Beethoven, Bach and especially Chopin. Jean loved to travel within Chicago attending concerts and school dances. After marriage and the births of Nikki & Deborah, she & Elmer bought a home in North Riverside which is where Glenn & Paul were born. In early 1969, Jean designed and built a home in Wayne, IL where they continued to raise their children. Jean successfully ran construction and management companies until she retired in 1994. She packed up her house and loaded up her horses and moved to the Tryon, NC area where she eventually bought 225 acres and subsequently subdivided it into smaller, equine-friendly parcels while also implementing permanent conservation easements. She continued to ride horses into her early 80’s and maintained her 55-acre parcel until age 90. Jean was very well respected as a contractor and admired by all for her drive and her love for family. She will truly be missed and her drive and passion for life inspired many and will never be forgotten.
Condolences
Dede Dammann from Mission Viejo, CA
"What an inspiration of strength, resilience and capability Jean is. Our deepest condolences to your family. Praying for peace and comfort to each of you."
Gigi Valdes from Costa Mesa, CA
"Paul, Amy and kids. Thinking of our time in Chicago at Paul’s Pub talking about what an amazing, self reliant and strong woman she was❣️ Our condolences to you and yours. You will be in our thoughts. Praying for peace in your hearts. Gigi."
Holly from Newport Beach, CA
"Paul, Dede shared with us the passing of your mother. She sounded like such an incredible woman. I’m glad that you and Amy were able to visit with her recently before she passed. Sending love to your family. Holly"