Charles Matthew Wessels, age 56, of Rutherfordton, NC, died suddenly after a brief illness on Sunday, September 3, 2017, at Rutherford Regional Medical Center.
Charlie was born on June 22, 1961, to Dale and Barbara (Waterman) Wessels in Clinton, IA. He grew up in Fulton, IL, and was educated in the Fulton Christian and Public School systems. He graduated from Trinity Christian College in Chicago, IL, with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering. While at Trinity he was co-captain of the soccer team and the recipient of the Keith Albers Memorial Award for athletics, high academic achievement, and outstanding leadership. On May 23, 1983, he married Martha Madney, and they had two children, Ryan and Elizabeth (Libby). They later divorced. On July 1, 1995, he married Juanita Burrow in South Bend, IN. Nita brought three children to the family, Jenee, James, and Ray, whom Charlie loved as his own. At the time of his death, Charlie was employed by CP Recycling as VP of Sales, where his passion and drive were examples to everyone at CP, as well as his family.
Charlie was loved by many, and he will be missed. He was notable for his quick wit (a smart ass.) He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, vacationing in the tropics, fishing with the grandkids (even though he was not a fan of the water), and spending time with his family.
Charlie is survived by his wife, Juanita “Nita” Wessels; mother, Barbara Wessels of Morrison, IL; two daughters, Elizabeth (Adam) Milligan of Allendale, MI, and Jenee (Vinson) Iden of Rock Hill, SC; three sons, Ryan (Angela) Wessels of Oostburg, WI, James (Erin) Lacey of Lancaster, SC, Ray (Megan) Lacey of Noblesville, IN; one sister, Jill (Jim) Balk of Garrison, IA; nine grandchildren.
Charlie was preceded in death by his father, Dale, and one sister, Julie Dopson.
Charlie’s Funeral Service will be at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, September 9, 2017, at McMahan’s Funeral Home Chapel in Rutherfordton, NC.
A Memorial Service will be held in Charlie’s hometown on Saturday, September 23, 2017, at 11:00 a.m., at Bethel Christian Reformed Church in Fulton IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the charity of your choice.