It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dean Eugene Wessels on March 5, 2025.
Dean was born on October 28, 1962, in Fairbury, Illinois to Harlan Wessels and Cheryl Travis. Cheryl survives in Pontiac, IL. He was loved by his brothers and sisters Diane Williams (her husband Ronald), Darlene Rexroad (her husband Max), Dale Wessels (his wife Shay), and Andy Travis (his wife Kim). His love for his nieces and nephews was boundless. Dean brought warmth, kindness, and unwavering love to all who knew him.
Dean was a remarkable husband, father, son, and brother. He was a steady, quiet presence who showed up for his family in every way that mattered most. He was their rock, always there with unwavering support and love. He never missed an award, a home run, or a chance to help his kids move all their belongings, no matter how far. His absence leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of those who loved him.
Dean is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Carol, and his five beloved children: Blake Heffernan (his wife Chelsea), Jared Heffernan, Stephanie Wessels (her wife Kaitlynn), Courtney Moylan (her husband Michael), and Jacob Wessels (his wife Morgan). He was also the proud and adoring grandpa of two grandsons, Bear Heffernan and Kieran Moylan, who will grow up knowing the depth of his love through the stories and memories shared by those who cherished him.
Dean is preceded in death by his father.
Beyond his love for family, Dean was a fierce conservationist and an avid hunter, deeply connected to the land he spent his life protecting. Through his work with the Prairie Lands Foundation and his dedicated volunteer efforts at Fugate Woods in Fairbury, he helped create spaces where nature could thrive and be appreciated by generations to come. He planted thousands of trees and millions of plants, leaving behind a legacy as vast and enduring as the landscapes he nurtured. His hands shaped the earth, his heart protected it, and his passion for conservation will live on in every tree that stands tall because of him.
Dean was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, living his life in faithful service to God and those around him.
Dean’s kindness, his quiet strength, and his deep love for both his family and the natural world will be profoundly missed—but never forgotten. His legacy is written in the roots of the trees he nurtured, in the laughter of his wife, children, and grandchildren, and in the love of those who were lucky enough to know him.
The family will be postponing a burial at this time. It was always Dean’s wish to have a celebration of life with all the people he loved most. The celebration of life will take place on April 5th, at the Dominy Library in Fairbury between 11:00 – 4:00. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Prairie Lands Foundation in Dean’s name. https://www.prairielandsfoundation.org/CharitableOpportunities.asp#Donate
Dean’s presence was a gift, his love immeasurable, and his memory will live on in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to know him.
Â
