Harlan Eugene Wessels, 85, Fairbury, died Saturday, January 13, 2018 at his residence surrounded by his family, Fairbury.

A private graveside inurnment will be held Friday, February 2, 2018 at Graceland Cemetery, Fairbury with Ray Mitchell and Larry Oakes officiating.  Full military rites will be accorded by the Fairbury VFW and American Legion posts.

A public celebration of life open house will be held 1:00 to 5:00 pm Saturday, February 3, 2018 at the Fairbury VFW, 205 East Locust St., Fairbury.  The family suggests memorials be given to Fugate Woods, C/O Prairie Lands Foundation, P.O. Box 260, Fairbury, IL 61739.  Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury is assisting with arrangements.

Mr. Wessels was born December 14, 1932 on his family's farm, south of Fairbury, the son of Clarence and Clara Schlicher Wessels.  He married Cheryl Robinson July of 1958 in Pontiac.

Survivors include his four children, Diane (Ron) Williams, Mahomet; Darlene (Max) Rexroad, Peculiar, MO; Dean (Carol) Wessels and Dale (Shay) Wessels, both of Fairbury; ten grandchildren, seven step grandchildren, three great grandchildren, eight step great grandchildren; one sister, Lara (Don) Wunsch, Saunemin and his longtime companion, Ella Holforty.

He is preceded in death by one brother and two sisters.

Mr. Wessels loved spending time with his family as much as they loved spending time with him. He adored his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, who he passed down his love and knowledge of nature, wildlife and conservation, spending much time in his timber and in the Shawnee National Forest. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed fishing. Over his many years of life, he made many kinds of homemade wine, collected antiques, refinished antique furniture, and enjoyed his herb and wildflower garden. He spent time hunting American Indian arrowheads and artifacts, accumulating a vast collection. He also enjoyed photographing old farm buildings.

Mr. Wessels was a lifelong Fairbury resident. He attended Temple School and was a graduate of Fairbury Twp. High School in 1951. He attended basic training at Camp Atterbury, Indiana. He then served in the US Army during the Korean War (2/2/1953-11/23/1954) in the Infantry Division's 26 ^th Infantry Scout Dog platoon, "Hell on Paws", obtaining the rank of Sergeant. After his active duty, he served 7 years 2 months in the reserves, completing his 8-year commitment to the army.

Mr. Wessels worked as a bricklayer and stone mason for Melvin Zimmerman Construction, Stoller & Maurer Construction, and later Vissering Construction. While completing stonework on Starved Rock State Park Lodge, he created an Illinois-shaped stone which he concreted into the entryway floor of the lodge. He was a member of the IOOF Lodge #290, American Legion John Joda Post #54, and the Bricklayers Union #6. He was a past member of Arrowhead Lodge.