Jerald L. Wessling

Jerald Wessling, 91, of David City passed away Sunday, April 14, at his home.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Thursday, April 18, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in David City. Visitation will be from 10-10:30 a.m. with a Knights of Columbus Rosary at 10:30. Lunch will be held at the Northside Cafe following Mass. Burial will be at a later date. Moravec Johnson Mortuary is handling arrangements for Jerald's Family.

Livestream for Jerry's Funeral Mass: https://youtube.com/live/61uM6rD2juo?feature=share

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PLANTS, AND STATUES: Memorials may be directed to Aquinas Catholic Schools.

Jerald Lee Wessling was born to Lawrence and Margaret Wessling on September 14, 1932 in Mapleton, Iowa. Growing up Jerry attended St. Mary’s grade school and graduated from Mapleton High School. Jerry went on in later years to complete his education at Iowa State University and graduated from Omaha University (now UNO).

Jerry worked hard his whole life at jobs that included a paper route at age 9, setting bowling pins and plucking chickens. Jerry served with the United States Air Force during the Korean conflict and was quite proud of his military service. Jerry went on to work as a Civil Engineer and retired from Western Electric in 1989. Jerry liked to tell that he collected retirement benefits from Western Electric longer than he actually worked there.

In retirement Jerry and Catherine traveled extensively. They traveled around the world in 51 days, spent a month in Australia, circled South America, walked the Great Wall of China, safaried in Africa and saw all 50 states, most of Europe and Canada. Early in retirement Jerry and Catherine lived part-time in Florida and Jerry knew every square inch of the Disney parks. If you were visiting, he made sure you saw it all.

Jerry was a talented and creative man. His talents included woodworking, building model ships and stained glass work. His family has reaped the benefits of this talent as evidenced by the furniture, jewelry boxes, wooden toys, various shelves made to order, quilt racks (and hangers and chests). Jerry was a lifelong learner and valued education. In retirement he still studied various online courses, worked crossword puzzles and sudoku. If you spent any time with Jerry you also know that he loved telling stories. He talked about growing up, picking chickens, his military service and work life.

Jerry was a devoted husband for 63 years to his wife Catherine. Other survivors include daughters Becky Taylor (Gary) and Peggy Gunter (Stan) and son Brian (Lori), six grandsons, one granddaughter and two great grandchildren.