Wessels’ Family Fund

In the 1970’s Avis and Arthur Wessels moved to Wakefield, so their three children Wendy, Laurie, and Arthur, Jr. could live away from the city. All three children graduated from Wakefield High School as did Wendy’s two boys Barry and John. Avis and Arthur enjoyed living in Wakefield as the family grew and started raising their own children. Arthur, Sr. a decorated Korean War veteran, had been active in town events. He served on the World War II Memorial Committee, and even in his eighties continued to serve on the Veteran’s Committee. After a long battle with Alzheimer’s, Avis passed away in her mid-seventies. Their son Arthur, Jr. developed cancer and passed away a few years later while living in Vermont. Family and friends established a scholarship fund to thank the Wessels family for supporting the community. At Mr. Wessels’ request the fund was called the Avis and Arthur Wessels, Jr. Fund in honor of his wife and son. Arthur Sr. passed away in 2016 after a short period of failing health. Arthur was a family man, the friend who showed up when you needed him, the person who made time to help out, and a warm presence in his community. In 2017, the family renamed the fund, the Wessels’ Family Fund.