Henry Joseph Wussler III

Henry Joseph Wussler III, affectionately known as “Joe,” passed away on Monday, April 7, 2025, at the hospital, surrounded by his loved ones. Joe was born and raised in the town he loved—St. Charles, Missouri—and he remained a proud resident of that community for his entire life. Joe was born on April 30, 1943, to Henry and Mattie Wussler. He was the oldest of four siblings—Sharon, Gary, and David—all of whom preceded him in death. He attended St. Peter's Catholic School and graduated from St. Charles High School in 1961. As a child, Joe got into plenty of mischief with his brothers and always spoke fondly of the stories and adventures they shared. After high school, Joe joined the United States Navy and proudly served aboard the USS Rogers during the Vietnam War, where he earned a combat medal. This experience would later come full circle in his life. Joe met a small-town farm girl named Kathleen Hopke “Kathy”—he wasn’t sure about her at first and even tried to set her up with friends. But after a weekend away, he realized he couldn’t live without her. They married on June 10, 1967, in the farming community where she grew up. Theirs was a love that lasted nearly 58 years. Joe and Kathy started their life together in St. Charles, cruising around in Joe’s '66 Oldsmobile 442 (often “borrowed” by his brothers), with Kathy always by his side. Joe proudly served his community as a police officer with the City of St. Charles Police Department for six years, and later with the St. Charles County Sheriff's Department for another six. He then worked for McDonnell Douglas (later Boeing) as a Security Officer until retiring in 2005. But retirement didn't slow him down—he took up driving a school bus and loved every minute of it. When he finally retired for good, he let his wild side free—grew out his hair and lived life on his own terms. Joe and Kathy’s first child, Lisa, was born on November 15, 1968. Lisa, born with severe disabilities, held a special place in Joe’s heart. He made sure she never missed out on anything and took great pride in being her dad. As Joe was not a fan of roller coasters, and his oldest daughter was, he would have to suck it up and help her on them as she was screaming in joy, he was holding his breath in fear. Her passing in August 1995 left a hole in his heart that never truly healed. Their son, Henry Joseph Wussler IV ("Joey"), was born on February 7, 1978. Joey was full of energy and kept Joe and Kathy on their toes. Joey and Joe shared a love for the Boy Scouts and would do numerous activities such as camping, hiking and cooking in the great outdoors. He inherited Joe’s knack for fixing things and, in Joe’s final years, cared for his father with love, strength, and dignity. Next came his baby, Victoria (Wussler) Scott "Vicki" or as he called her "Tori." Vicki is the exact clone of Joe in almost all the ways. Vicki was involved in Track and Field and Joe made sure he could be a part of that. He got his referee license so that he could make sure he was highly involved in whatever she did. Vicki's fierce independence, hard head, stubbornness, and work ethic all come from Joe and make her who she is today. Vicki later married Jon Scott, who quickly became Joe’s “favorite son-in-law.” To Joe, Jon wasn’t just family by marriage—he was a son. Jon learned from Joe how to be a good husband, father, and man. Together, Vicki and Jon gave Joe the greatest treasure of his later life: his granddaughter, Lydia. From the moment Lydia was born, she and her Papa were inseparable. She was his everything. Even in his final days, when his memory had gone, the moment Lydia entered the room, Joe lit up and spoke to her. Their bond was unbreakable, and Lydia will carry his love with her always. Joe was the patriarch of the Wussler clan—the one everyone turned to. Whether it was advice, help with a project, or just a good laugh over a card game (where he definitely cheated at pinochle), Joe was always there. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Kathy; son, Joey; daughter and son-in-law, Vicki and Jon Scott; granddaughter, Lydia; two sisters-in-law; many nieces and nephews; cousins; and lifelong friends. He was a once-in-a-lifetime kind of man—honest, generous, funny, hard-working, and kind. Joe taught those around him how to live fully, help others, stand by your values, and never take life too seriously. Joe bravely fought a 15-year battle with an asbestos-related illness connected to his service in the Navy. Thanks to the care he received through the VA and his own strength of spirit, we were gifted with more time than we could have hoped for. Rest in peace, Joe Wussler. You are so very loved and will be missed more than words can ever express

Henry Joseph Wussler III

April 30, 1943 - April 7, 2025