Donald T. Wessels 1924-2017 Donald Theodore Wessels passed away February 26th. He died surrounded by his loving family; Rita, his wife of 68 years, and his children. Don married Rita Caroline Schumacher on June 22, 1948. Together with their seven children, their lives celebrated family. Summers gave time for family vacations at Fairmont Hot Springs. A favorite photo shows Don diving a near perfect jack knife at the age of 76. A cabin at Sacheen was a second home and a family gathering place. Fall and winter days made time for Don to play his favorite sport, handball with his sons at the Spokane Club. In later years Don and Rita travelled the world. Don was born in Greencreek, Idaho to Albert and Helena Wessels and was raised on the family farm. He graduated from Greencreek High School and attended college at St. Edwards Seminary in Bothell, WA. Don was honored to serve the community he loved. Don and Rita were founding parishioners of Our Lady of Fatima Church in Spokane. In recent years they were members of St. Peter’s Parish. They were also founding members of Our Lady of Fatima’s Sister Parish Committee. The committee was formed to provide financial and spiritual support to a Catholic community in Guatemala. Don was one of the founders of Immaculate Heart Retreat Center. He directed fund raising efforts to create endowments for the financial future health of the Retreat Center. In 1982, together with Monsignor Rosage, Director of the Retreat Center, Mass was televised from the Retreat Center. The Mass continues to be televised every week. In April, 1967, Don was awarded the St. Thomas More award as “Catholic Man of the Year” by the National Council of Catholic Men. Don was also recognized in 1974 as the Outstanding Parishioner of the Year from Our Lady of Fatima Parish. He was given the Directors Club Award by Immaculate Heart Retreat Center and the 2001 Bishop’s Medal for outstanding service to the Spokane Catholic Diocese. His volunteer efforts included Meals on Wheels, The House of Charity, Hospice of Spokane, Catholic Charities, and the St. Vincent DePaul Society. Don’s advertising career began as a sales representative for KXLY Television in Spokane. He went on to create Wessels & Associates Advertising Agency in 1964. The agency won over 100 awards for creativity and execution from a variety of industry associations including the Spokane Advertising Federation and the International Association of Newspaper Executives. Don served as adjunct professor at Gonzaga University. He also served on the Board for the College of Business and Finance at Washington State University. Don served on the boards for Catholic Program Service, Diocesan Council of Holy Names Men, Retreats International, Washington State Children’s Home Society, the Spokane Ad Club, the Spokane Club, Crows Nest Entertainment, Immaculate Heart Retreat Center, and Mid-City Concerns (Meals on Wheels). He also served as President for Diocesan Council of Catholic Men, and as Governor of District I for Serra Club International. Don was preceded in death by his parents Albert and Helena Wessels, his stepmother Lena, brothers Harold (Bernadine) and John (Teddy), sisters Marcella (Bob Uhlenkott), Sister Mary Edward OSB, and Sister Mary Bernice OSB. He is survived by his brother Elmer (Irene) and sisters Rita (Clarence Wassmuth), and Dorothy (Don Keuter). Don is survived by his wife Rita (Schumacher) and seven children; Mary Helen (Bob) Black, Jim (Teri), Jerry (Cathy), Tony (Theresa), Tom (Kristy), Lisa (Scot) Baker and Chrissy (Bob) Middendorp, fourteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Don is also survived by a large extended family including dozens of nieces and nephews. We will remember Don for his leadership, keen intellect, strong family values and self-sacrifice for the betterment of others. He will be missed for his support and affection for all members of his family. A Memorial Mass for Don Wessels will be celebrated on his birthday, Saturday, March 11th at 10:00 am. The Mass will be held at St. Peter’s Church, 3520 E 18th Ave. in Spokane. A reception will follow at the church hall. Donations in Don’s memory can be made to the Poor Clare Nuns of Spokane, Immaculate Heart Retreat Center or the Sisters of Mary Mother of the Church.

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