Cecilia Marie “Sue” Wessel

Cecilia Marie “Sue” Wessel (nee Dehler), age 79, of Mequon, Wis., entered her heavenly home on May 14, 2026.

Sue Wessel was born on Nov. 23, 1946, to Albert and Cecilia Dehler (nee Zierden) in West Bend, Wis. 

Sue spent her childhood years on the farm in Kewaskum, Wis., with her parents and 12 siblings. She attended grade school at St. Michael’s near Kewaskum. In 1965, Sue graduated from Hartford Union High School.

A few years later, Sue met her future husband on a blind date set up by her sister Mary. On April 29, 1972, Sue married Don Wessel. 

Despite the challenges Sue faced, her unwavering love for God and her faith in Jesus remained steady. Sue’s life reflected her Savior’s love as she cared for the people around her. Her kind and compassionate heart was evident to all who knew Sue.  

Sue is survived by her three children, Anne (Remi) Malig, Greg (Heather) Wessel  and Julie (Kevin) Kelly; her seven cherished grandchildren, Moriah, Zach (Kayla), and Marcus Malig, Lena and Aria Wessel and Adrianna and Logan Kelly; and one great-grandson, Colter Malig.

Sue is also survived by her dear friend Don Whiteside, siblings Marge Moser, Peter Dehler, Joan (Leon) Schmidt, Judy Van Eperen, Paul (Marcy) Dehler, Mary (Mark) Theisen, Dorothy Bunke, Frank (Shirley) Dehler, Joe (Chris) Dehler and Al (Sandy) Dehler and her sisters-in-law Carol Trad and Rose Wessel, as well as many other relatives and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her loving husband Don Wessel, her parents Albert and Cecilia Dehler, her sisters Rosie Schmidt and Betty Schmidt as well as many sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.   

A memorial service honoring the life of Sue Wessel was held at noon Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at Phillip Funeral Home in West Bend, Wis., with Pat Mulcahy officiating. Visitation was from 10 to 11:45 a.m. at the funeral home. 

The family thanks Lawlis Family Hospice and the oncology team at Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital-Ozaukee for their expert and compassionate care. Our family is grateful for the outpouring of love and support from family and friends. We are particularly thankful for the beautiful friendship between Sue and her dear friend Don Whiteside.