Florence – Kathleen (Kathy) Ann Wessel, 61, unexpectedly passed away January 26, 2014 due to natural causes. She was born June 6, 1952 in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, to Edward and Frieda Dietz. Married to Cliff Wessel for the past 17 years. They were filled with fishing, reading, boating, hunting and enjoyment of the outdoors in big sky country of Montana. Kathy enjoyed walking her dog Emma through the woods and loved spending as much time with her grand children as possible, often mailing them trinkets from Montana. While the distance was great between our families, the love and compassion from Kathy was always near and just a phone call away. Her legacy will be best remembered as a strong woman, loving wife and mother, compassionate friend, and an inspiration for her family and friends.
She is survived by her mother Frieda Dietz, husband Cliff Wessel, sister Sharon (Dennis) Hoffman, stepson Tim Wessel, stepdaughter Tammy Porter, sons Richard (Kacey) and Eric (Cori) Thomas; grandchildren Dylan Olsen, Clint Olsen, Kirianne Olsen, Rebecca Thomas, Ranan Thomas, Cody Wessel, Hunter Wessel, Josiah Olsen, Madi Wessel, Matthias Olsen, Isaac Thomas, Ian Thomas, Aiden Thomas, Eli Thomas, and great-grandson Wyatt Harms. She was preceded in death by Edward Dietz (father), Larry Dietz (brother) and Greg Hoffman (nephew).
Kathy lived in Scottsbluff, Hayward, Lodi, and Florence. Kathy graduated from San Joaquin Delta College with an AA Degree in Landscape Design and a certificate in Landscape Horticulture. She previously managed offices for both Dr. Mullen and Dr. Freund in Lodi, California. Kathy’s journey took her to Florence, Montana, where she became the lead billing manager for Partnership Health Center in Missoula, Montana. She was elected to serve as the vice president of the local union in 2013 because of her natural leadership ability.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 1, 2014 at the Florence-Carlton Community Church with burial following at the Carlton Cemetery. A reception was held following the committal service at the church. Condolences may be left for the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.