Willis Wessman

Chaplain (Ret. Col.) Willis Warren Wessman, 88, Topeka, passed away Sunday, July 26, 2009 at his home. He was born Oct. 18, 1920 in Cokato, MN the son of George and Beda (maiden name) Wessman.

He was a graduate of Augsburg College in Minnesota and Bethel College and Seminary in Minnesota.

Willis served in the US Navy from Oct. 1944 to June 1946. He later served in the Army as Chaplain from Feb. 1951 until his retirement in March of 1979. He served during WW II, Korean War, and Vietnam War eras.

He married Dolores Poole on Aug. 30, 1946. She preceded him in death on Oct. 8, 2003.
Willis was an avid sports participant and fan.

Mr. Wessman is survived by his son, Kim Wessman of Bay City, WI; daughter, Kathleen and her husband, Norman Bacon of Topeka; granddaughter, Rachel and husband, Jordan Slusser of Lawrence, KS; 2 grandsons, Michael Bacon of Topeka and Elliot Field of Bay City, WI.

He was preceded in death by six brothers, Clarice, Vern, Maurice, Rodney, Eldon, Delbert and one sister, Inez.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, July 31, 2009 at the Main Post Chapel at Fort Riley Military Base, Junction City, KS. Interment with Military Honors conducted by Fort Riley Funeral Detail will be at Fort Riley Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to any Military or Veteran's Organization. Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel in Topeka is assisting the family.