Clarence (Batz) Leroy Wessel Jr.

MELBOURNE, Fla. — Clarence (Batz) Leroy Wessel Jr., 76, Melbourne, Fla., died Feb. 28, 2024, from a lengthy battle of illness.

Clarence Jr. was born July 7, 1947, in Norfolk, to Clarence and LuEtta (Kierstad) Wessel and was baptized into the Lutheran Faith. He attended country school and graduated from Randolph High School in 1965. He continued his education at Milford Technical College before going to work for Union Pacific Railroad, Omaha, for 25 years. His next move took him from Omaha to Melbourne, where he worked for Advanced Rail Management until this last year.

During his years, Clarence Jr. loved to travel, and cooking was his favorite hobby.

He is survived by his best friend, Ron Whitely; brother and sister-in-law, Lauren and Valerie Wessel, Randolph; and sister-in-law, LaVonne Hansen, Fairbury; along with many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; brothers, Ted and Kenneth Hansen; sister-in-law, Susan Hansen; and nephew, Jeff Hansen.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers or plants, please consider donating to the Humane Society.