On Friday, October 21, Willi H. Wessels died at Alexian Village in Milwaukee. He was 85 years old.  

Wilhelm Horst Wessels was born on August 11, 1937, in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, to Karl and Franziska (Kasperski) Wessels. He was the second-youngest of six children. As a youth, he enjoyed playing soccer with the SV Rotthausen 1912 Youth program, participating in church youth group activities, and serving as an altar boy. At age 16, Willi and his best friend bicycled from Germany to France, staying at churches and in church barns along the way. 

He immigrated to the United States in January 1957, following his older sister Anni to Wisconsin. He briefly moved to California for a job opportunity, and while there, played soccer for Club Necaxa in Mexico. Willi married Gerda J. Jansen on July 9, 1960, in Chula Vista, California. Shortly thereafter the couple made Wisconsin their permanent home, always saying that Wisconsin is more like Germany.

Soccer played a huge role in Willi’s life, and he played a role in its growth in the United States. An active member of the Bavarian Soccer Club for 55 years, he was a Major Division player and coach, a youth coach, and served on the Board of Directors and Entertainment Committee. Willi continued playing with the Old-Timers well into his 60s and later joined the Field Crew that maintained the clubhouse building and grounds. He was honored as a Gold Pin recipient for dedicated service to the Club. Willi also coached at Whitefish Bay High School from 1979 to 1986. 

Soccer also offered him unique opportunities such as playing against professional Bundesliga teams like FC Bayern München. Willi often said soccer allowed him to see the world: he traveled throughout the United States as well as to Germany, Switzerland, Brazil, Canada, and Mexico. Wherever he went, Willi was an ambassador for soccer and good sportsmanship. 

Willi’s All Star awards, State championships, and Hall of Fame inductions are numerous. His former players and teammates, however, are more likely to reflect on his sportsmanship, fair play, and camaraderie. He was a teacher and a mentor to many youth players who came from all walks of life. He taught them the basics of the game (“Technique, technique, technique!”) as well as the importance of respect for each other, for the opponent, for the coaches, and for all officials. Willi liked to prove that “Nice guys finish first.” He built camaraderie, the core ingredient of a successful team, through singalongs and other shared activities. Another Willi catchphrase was “Look good, feel good, play good.” 

Willi was active and visible in Milwaukee’s German-American community. In 1964 Willi and Gerda were Prinzenpaar with Milwaukee Spielmannszug, a Milwaukee German Mardi-Gras society. Willi was also an Ehrensenator with K.G. Rheinischer Verein Gruen-Weiss and an honorary member of the United Donauschwaben of Milwaukee. 

For five decades, Willi entertained crowds at German-American events throughout the region as a vocalist with Johnny Hoffmann & the Herzbuben. Annual appearances included German Fest, various Oktoberfests, Holiday Folk Fair, and functions in the German-American community. The band released numerous albums featuring Willi’s vocals. To his last week of life, Willi was still singing and charming those around him. 

Willi enjoyed a 40-year career as Mercedes-Benz technician at Concours Motors in Glendale. In 1987, Mercedes-Benz of North America recognized Willi with their Star Technician Award. 

Willi and Gerda were proud to achieve the American Dream by purchasing a house with a large yard in Mequon in 1971. In his later years, Willi liked to say “We have it good here in America!” He was a longtime member of Lumen Christi Parish in Mequon. 

Preceded in death by his parents and all five siblings, Heinz, Karl, Resi, Anni, and Helmut. His supportive wife of 60 years, Gerda, passed away on October 6, 2020. He is survived by daughters Rita (Larry Domine) Suttons Bay, Mich., Linda (Tim Prescott) Champaign, Ill., and Doris (Steve Reske) Germantown and grandson Cole Prescott. Also survived by nieces and nephews, sisters-in-law and family in Racine and Germany, and many, many friends. 

The family thanks Horizon Hospice.  

Visitation Friday, November 4 from 10am until time of Memorial Mass at Noon at Lumen Christi Catholic Church, 2750 W. Mequon Rd in Mequon. Private interment at Lumen Christi Cemetery. 

Memorial donations may be sent to Bavarian United Soccer Club, 700 W. Lexington Blvd., Glendale, Wisconsin 53217  (501(c)3)