Ann Wessel

Ann Bernice Wessel, 93, passed away August 28, 2026, in Topeka, Kansas. Ann was born on October 24, 1932, in Oneida, Kansas to Bernard “Ben” and Mary Haskamp Stuke. Ann graduated from Wetmore High School in 1950, where she was class president, played on the basketball and volleyball teams, and performed in school plays. She married Adrian Joseph Wessel, on September 9, 1953, and created many happy, loving memories during their 55 years together. Their marriage was a great example to many who knew them. Ann had a strong, enduring faith and was a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Church. She enjoyed serving funeral dinners and participating in Perpetual Adoration prayer time for many years at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church. Ann’s children remember her as a kind, patient, and loving mother who was always there for them. Ann cherished her role as a homemaker, wife and mother. After her children were older, she served lunch at Crestview Elementary and Hope Academy. She volunteered part time at Findables Resale store that supported hospice. She enjoyed family dinners, playing cards, weekly Bingo with Aunt Rosie, doing embroidery, Sunday crossword puzzles with her daughters, and anytime the whole family got together. Ann learned to cook from her mother, and we were blessed with her amazing dinners every night of the week. Her sons and sons-in-law especially enjoyed her baking skills. Ann and Adrian enjoyed memorable trips to Germany (where their parents immigrated from) and Alaska. Most importantly, they raised a close-knit family of eight children who will always miss them dearly. Ann is survived by her children, Carolyn Schroeder (Dale), Duluth, Minnesota, Joyce Henry (Chuck), Manhattan, Kansas, Allan Wessel (Marianne), Topeka, Janice Short, Topeka, Brian Wessel, Topeka, Connie Marcy, Topeka, Ron Wessel, Auburn, Kansas, and Denise Bigham (Bryon), Topeka; 16 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren with two on the way; siblings, Ray Stuke (Roberta), Ken Stuke (Cheryl), Elsie Beam (Lynn), and Jim Stuke (Janet); and numerous nieces and nephews. Ann was preceded in death by her husband; son-in-law, Steve Short; grandson, Luke; parents; brother, Alvin; and sister, Mary Lou. The family thanks the staff at Rolling Hills Assisted Living, Kelly House and Ascend Hospice for their loving care. Visitation will be 5 to 6 p.m. Monday, August 31, 2026, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614, where the rosary will be prayed at 6 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 3601 SW 17th Street, Topeka KS 66604. Burial will be at a later date in Mount Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church and sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

Ann Wessel

October 24, 1932 - August 28, 2026