Joseph H. Wessling, age 79 of Batesville, died Thursday October 15, 2020 at home, surrounded by his family. Born July 19, 1941 in Batesville, he is the son of Agnes (Nee: Bohman) and Joseph Wessling.
Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life – Joe lived that motto. He enjoyed 50+ years with Hillenbrand Industries, including work in the mail room and the corporate garage, driving semi over-the-road to the west coast, chauffeuring the Hillenbrand family, and he was proud to be the captain of his beloved Land Cruiser One. Many customers and Batesville associates enjoyed the trip to Batesville with “Go Joe”. He was the ultimate company ambassador and the first-ever recipient of the Hillenbrand Service Excellence Award. Many remember Joe’s courtesy, respect, and overall good-natured attitude; he truly never met a stranger. Joe also cherished his time providing personal chauffer services for Dan Hillenbrand and his family. He retired in 2007 but continued to drive and forge friendships with others in the community.
Joe was a collector of friends through the years. He was a member of St. Louis Church and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #1130. He retained childhood friends for a lifetime, but he always had room to add more. Many of his work associates became close friends. After retirement, he was able to enjoy winters at Camp Florida, where he continued to meet new people and expand his circle. He was a regular at the “table of knowledge” at the Hobo Hut or McDonalds, enjoyed Sundays at the Sherman House or Cricket Ridge, and spent his Wednesdays at The Midtown Diner.
Faith and devotion were hallmarks in Joe’s life. He was a life-long member of St. Louis Catholic Church and worked tirelessly to ensure that his family valued faith as much as he did. He was a family man in every sense of the word, and he took great pride in caring for his parents and his sister, Marie.
The most important aspect of Joe’s life was always his family. He taught his children, grandchildren, nephews and nieces, as well as many of their friends, the value of hard work and encouraged all to reach out in a positive way. He clearly believed it was important to work hard and play hard. He delighted in not only attending all of his grandchildren’s academic, athletic, artistic, and musical events, but he also became the “team grandpa” and for many, the favorite bus driver for their sports teams (long after his grandkid’s graduations). There are too many to count, but many lovingly remember him as Grandpa Joe.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Elaine (Wittkamper) Wessling of Batesville; son, Neal (Deb) Wessling of Batesville; daughter, Gail (Cirilo “Tim”) Timonera of North Port, Florida; granddaughters, Kayla Wessling (Jake Radus) and Kendra (Pat) Weisbrod, and grandsons, Blaine (Hillary) and Bryce Timonera. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister (Marie Wessling), and his nephew (Mark Wittkamper).
Visitation is Monday, Oct 19th, from 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at St Louis Catholic Church in Batesville. Funeral services immediately following at 1:30 p.m. with Rev. Stan Pondo officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family requests memorials to St. Louis School Tuition Angels or Margaret Mary Health Foundation Hospice. The current Governor’s mandate requires physical distancing and recommends the use of masks in church. For online condolences go to www.weigelfh.com.