David Wessels Obituary

On October 10, 2025 at 12:34 p.m. David Alan Wessels, age 69, was called by God to his eternal home in heaven. David was diagnosed with a rare stage 4 kidney cancer on July 11, 2025, and bravely battled the illness for 90 days. Through strength, determination and unwavering faith, he faced each day with courage, doing his best to rise above the struggles that threatened to steal his joy.

David was born on May 16, 1956 in Breckenridge, MN and graduated from Breckenridge High School in 1974. After high school, he worked for the Miller Brothers Farm, before joining Cargill, Inc. in West Fargo, ND in 1980 as a maintenance man. Over the years he worked his way up the corporate ladder to a management position and excelled in his career as Reliability Leader, serving in West Fargo, ND; Gainesville, GA; and Sioux City, IA. After 37 years he retired in 2018 from Cargill and moved to Waconia, MN.

On September 20, 1980 he married Cynthia K. (Tryba) Thompson and together they were blessed with four sons: Justin Tryba, Chad Wessels, Alan Wessels and Adam Wessels. Family and friends were the heart of David's life. He and Cindy made countless trips to visit loved ones and spent eight wonderful years welcoming family and friends to their cozy second home near the beach in Detroit Lakes, MN. Many cherished memories were made there, especially with his brothers and their families. In 2020 David and Cindy purchased a unit at Sunflower Resort in Surprise, AZ where they spent winter months away from the Minnesota weather. David loved the sunshine and being able to golf several times each week. David's favorite person to golf with was his son, Chad.

David loved to fish most of all. For the past 40 years he has been making annual trips to Canada fishing with his Cargill friends (and recently with his brother, Joe). His last trip to Canada was on June 10, 2025. In his retirement, David's greatest joy was watching his grandchildren's sports and activities - from baseball, hockey, basketball, gymnastics, plays and concerts. He was their biggest fan and loved being part of their world.

David was a man of faith, integrity, compassion and good character. He enjoyed going to the movie theater and watching old westerns, Mountain Men and Hallmark movies on TV. He was also a dedicated Minnesota Vikings fan. David loved building projects and was especially proud when he remodeled the entire basement of their Waconia home into his "man cave." He loved the Lord in his own quiet personal ways, sharing it in heartfelt moments with others. David will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

David is survived by his loving family: wife Cynthia; children Justin (Jennifer) Tryba of Sautee, GA, Chad (Ashlei) Wessels of Eden Prairie, Alan Wessels of Waconia, Adam Wessels of Waconia; grandchildren Chelsea Wood, Flowery Branch of Georgia, Amber Tryba of Auburn, GA, Dylan Tryba of Sautee, GA, Alyssa Tryba of Hampton, VA, Everett Wessels of Eden Prairie, Lauren Wessels of Eden Prairie; siblings Stephen (Michelle) Wessels of Sunman, IN, Darrel (Donna) Wessels of Harrisburg, SD, Joel (Sharon) Wessels of Austin, TX; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Mary Wessels of Dilworth, Dawn (Art) Woods of West Des Moines, IA, Carey (Marcia) Thompson of Fergus Falls; honorary family members Brad and Crystal Baker (Cameron, Giuliana and Chandler).

David was preceded in death by his parents Delores and Herbert Wessels; brothers Ronald Wessels, Douglas Wessels; father-in-law and mother-in-law LaVern and Marilyn Thompson, sister-in-law Diane Wessels.

A Memorial Service will be held in David's honor at Branch Church, 26710 W 62nd St., Shorewood, MN on October 24, 2025 with visitation at 10:00 a.m. and the service starting at 11:00 a.m. A light lunch will be served afterwards. In lieu of fresh flowers, his family kindly requests plants or memorials. If you were one of the Wessels Warriors who prayed for David during his illness, we thank you for every prayer lifted up. May we honor the life of David Alan Wessels by living with the same strength, faith and love he showed every day.

Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia, 952-442-2121, www.johnsonfh.com.