Published in the March 4, 2016 edition.
WAKEFIELD – Arthur E. Wessels Sr., 87, formerly of Malden and Everett, passed away at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital, Melrose on Tuesday, Jan. 26 after a short period of failing health. Arthur was a family man, the friend who showed up when you needed him, the person who made time to help out and a warm presence in his community.
Born and raised in Malden, one of four children of the late Kenneth and Magdeline Wessels, he graduated from Malden Vocational Technical School. Following gradation he was employed by Faulkner Manufacturing Co., where he first courted Avis, his beloved wife of 55 years who predeceased him in 2005. Except for the time he spent in Korea with the U.S. Army Infantry, he worked at Faulkner for 50 years.
Arthur was the devoted father of three and is survived by Wendy Landers and her husband Barry and daughter Laurie Wessels. He was pre-deceased by his son Arthur E. Wessels Jr.; he was also pre-deceased by his brothers Kenneth and Donald Wessels.
In addition to his daughters, Arthur is survived by his sister Evelyn Fitzgerald and her husband Ronald; by cherished grandchildren; Barry Landers and his wife Noelle, John Landers and his wife Vania; Arthur E. Wessels III and Jesse Bond and his adored great-grandchildren Austin, Griffin, Reagan, Elliana and Emmett.
His life will be celebrated on Saturday, March 12 at 11 a.m. at the First Parish Congregational Church, 1 Church St., Wakefield followed by internment in the veterans section of the Forest Glade Cemetery.
