Gregory B. Wesselmann

Gregory Bernard Wesselmann, age 95, of Breese, passed away Friday, October 25, 2024, at Breese Nursing Home. He was born November 17, 1928, in Bartelso, a son of the late Catherine (nee Schleper) and Henry Wesselmann Sr. Gregory married Clara (nee Hilmes) Wesselmann on January 23, 1951, at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Breese and she preceded him in death on April 12, 2022.

Throughout his life, Gregory was known for his strong work ethic and dedication to his craft. He worked as a hod carrier for Joe Becker after previously working at Swift & Co Meat Packing, Trenton Processing. A proud veteran, Gregory served in the United States Army as an Engineer during the Korean War. His deep sense of patriotism continued through his membership in the Breese American Legion Post 252 and the Trenton Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7983. A man of faith, he was a member of St. Dominic Catholic Church in Breese. Gregory found joy in life’s simple pleasures—playing bingo, spending time with his beloved grandchildren, and visiting the “farm”.

Gregory is survived by his children, Jean Wesselmann of Breese, Alfred (Brenda) Wesselmann of Germantown, and James (Bonnie) Wesselmann of Breese; five grandchildren, Jason (Amy) Wesselmann, Scott (Laura) Wesselmann, Ashley (Jeff) Huelsmann, Jill (David) Burris, and Jeffrey (Kendra) Lager; two step-grandchildren, Robert (Theresa) Bufford and Mandy Bufford; fifteen great-grandchildren; nine step-great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; siblings, Veronica Blumenstein of Breese, Henry (Marie) Wesselmann, Jr. of Germantown, Virgil (Alice) Wesselmann of Marydale, Bernadette Yapp of O’Fallon, Agnes Dumstorff of Breese, Ruth Ann (Herman Jr.) Jansen of Damiansville; and sister-in-law, Linda Hilmes of Lockport.

Gregory was preceded in death by his parents and wife; daughter, Doris (Bob) Lager; great-grandson, Matthew Wesselmann; siblings, Marie (Lawrence) Kassen, Theresa (Arthur) Schulte, Dorothy (John) Buscher, Helen (Robert) Hilmes, Vincent Wesselmann, and Jerome (Theresa) Wesselmann; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Lawrence (Verena) Hilmes, Agnes (Henry Sr.) Hoerchler, Edwin (Marge) Hilmes, Henry (Mary Rita) Hilmes, Robert (Helen) Hilmes, Richard (Betty) Hilmes, Mary (Victor) Woltering, and David Hilmes.

Private services will be held. Gregory’s family expresses gratitude for the loving support of friends and extended family during this time.

Memorials may be made to a charity of donor’s choice and will be received by mail, Moss Funeral Home, 535 N. 5^th St. Breese, IL 62230, who is serving the family.