Wilbert Schuessler

Wilbert A. "Wib" Schuessler, 86, of New Wells died Sunday, March 11, 2007, at Perry County Nursing Home in Perryville, Mo.

He was born May 1, 1920, in Farrar, Mo., son of the late Martin and Hedwig Mangels Schuessler. He and Elsie Koch were married July 20, 1946.

Wib was inducted into the U.S. Army on Nov. 10, 1941. He was awarded two Bronze Stars for the battles of New Guinea and Biak Island. He was honorably discharged as a private first class Oct. 31, 1945.

He was a self-employed carpenter many years, retiring from David McDowell Construction Co. in Fruitland. He was a member of American Legion Post 133 in Perryville, and Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Wells, where he served as an elder, trustee and in other capacities.

Survivors include his wife; a son, Keith Schuessler of Jackson; a daughter, Karen Bronenkant of Frohna, Mo.; a brother, Hilmer Schuessler of Perryville; a sister, Lucille Schlichting of Wittenberg, Mo.; two grandsons; and two great-grandsons.

He was preceded in death by six brothers and a sister.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson, and after 9 a.m. Wednesday at Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Wells. An American Legion service will be held at 7 p.m. today.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the church, with the Rev. Walter Patzwitz officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.