Hans Wessels, Jr.

A celebration of life memorial service for Hans Wessels will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Johnson Center in Alma, Nebraska, with Pastor Curtis Pfeil officiating. A light lunch and fellowship will follow at the Johnson Building until 1:00 p.m.

A memorial graveside service will be held at a later date at the Alma Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Fay Cady American Legion Post #118 in conjunction with the United States Army Funeral Honors Team.

Hans Wessels Jr., 69 years of age, of rural Alma, passed away on November 1, 2024, at his home. Hans was born on September 21, 1955, in Alma, the eldest of three boys born to Hans, Sr. and Barbara (Muir) Wessels. He received his education and graduated from Alma Public School with the class of 1973. While in high school, Hans excelled in math and physics and, at the time of his graduation, had the highest IQ of anyone ever tested at Alma. After high school, Hans enlisted in the US Army, serving three years at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, Fort Belvedere, Virginia, and Fort Carson, Colorado.

After his military service, Hans lived in Lincoln, Nebraska, for several years, attending some college classes and working various jobs. Hans moved back to the Alma area to help with the family farm and spent the rest of his life doing so. His fencepost tamping was legendary, and his posts will still be standing long after doomsday.

Hans loved history, politics, and military trivia. He also enjoyed riding and competing in the highly specialized sport of motorcycle observed trials, which is riding through and over numerous obstacles. His fellow competitors were Hans' extended family and friends in his favorite social circle. In September of 2021, Hans suffered a serious 4-wheeler accident while herding cattle on the farm that resulted in injuries that started a gradual decline in his health.

Hans was a lifelong avid reader and passed away at his reading table. Everyone who knew Hans will always remember that Hans did it his way.

Hans was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Ben Wessels; one nephew, Clay Wessels; and many aunts and uncles.

Hans is survived by his brother, Jesse Wessels of rural Alma; one niece, Sydni Soules and her husband, Travis of Barnesville, Georgia; two great nieces and one great nephew: Clay, Tristan, and Mylee; several cousins, other relatives, and many friends.

There will be no visitation or memorial book signing. The family has chosen cremation.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Hans' honor are suggested to an organization of your choosing.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Bauer-Torrey & Mach Funeral Home in Alma is in charge of the arrangements.