Donald Wayne Wessel

Donald Wayne Wessel of McCall, Idaho, passed away August 20, 2020, at McCall Rehabilitation and Care Facility in McCall, Idaho, at the age of 90.

Don was born May 22, 1930, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Ernest Christ Wessel and Laura Florence Goodell. He was the eldest of three children. The family moved from Missouri to California during the Depression and settled in Visalia, California. Don attended Visalia High School, after which he enlisted in the Navy. During his high school years, he met Dolores Ann Patterson, and they were married in 1950. They were members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. With his experience in electronics from the Navy, Don opened a small TV repair shop in Tulare, California. Later, he was employed by and retired from Pacific Bell Phone Company. Along with his wife and daughter Karen, Donald grew and sold figs through DON-DEE Figs. He loved to go to the Farmer's Markets and sell and barter his figs.

Don loved to play the harmonica and the mandolin, especially with his friends in the Mormon Tabernacle Blue Grass Band and Traveling Company. He enjoyed singing and playing his harmonica for friends and family throughout his life. He loved camping, fishing and supporting all of his kids, grandkids and their kids in many different sports activities. He was everyone's No. 1 fan.

Don was preceded in death by his wife Dolores, daughter Karen and brother Lyle. He is survived by his daughter Deborah Wessel of Oak Harbor, Washington; sons Michael (Pamela) Wessel and Christopher (Leesa) Wessel both of Cascade, Idaho; sister Nona Haggard of Star, Idaho; and sister-in-law Dauna Wessel of Encampment, Wyoming; as well as many grandkids and great-grandkids.

Don will be cremated in Idaho. Graveside services will be held September 17, 2020, 11:00am, at the Visalia Cemetery in Visalia, California. He will be buried next to his eternal companion Dolores and near his daughter Karen. He will be greatly missed.

Due to Covid restrictions, masks and social distancing are required. Please bring your own chairs and umbrellas as they are not provided by the cemetery.