Reverend John “Jack” E. Wessling died on Monday, February 15, 2021, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was born on November 23, 1931 in Covington, Kentucky. He did his preparatory studies at St. Gregory Seminary, Cincinnati and received an M.A. in philosophy and theology at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary of the West in Norwood. He was ordained a priest on August 15, 1958 at Sts. Peter in Chains Cathedral, Cincinnati by Archbishop Karl J. Alter at the end of 3rd year Theology and continued in the Seminary for 4th year Theology.
Father Wessling was appointed to his first assignment on June 8, 1959 to reside at Fenwick Club and supply assistance at Holy Spirit Chapel, Cincinnati, until taking up summer courses in Latin at Ohio State University, Columbus. Upon his return and effective on August 21, 1959, he was appointed Assistant at Holy Angels Parish, Cincinnati and to teach at Purcell High School. From 1960 – 1963, Father Wessling attended the University of Fribourg, Switzerland and earned a Doctorate in Sacred Theology. On August 29, 1963, he was appointed part-time teacher at St. Gregory Seminary and Assistant with residence at St. Mary Parish, Oxford. On June 17, 1964, he was appointed faculty member and Assistant Procurator at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary. In December 1965, Father Wessling was assigned to weekend help at St. Aloysius on-the-Ohio, Cincinnati. On June 1, 1967, Father Wessling was relieved of his duties as Assistant Procurator at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary and moved to St. Gregory Seminary to teach philosophy full-time. On August 17, 1976, he was appointed Vicarius Cooperator at St. Michael Parish, Sharonville. On March 10, 1988, Father Wessling was appointed Pastor of Our Lady of Visitation Parish, Cincinnati for a term of six years. He was appointed to the College of Consultors for a four-year term from October 28, 1991 to November 3, 1995 and consecutively for another five-year term. On March 19, 1994, he was appointed to another six-year term as pastor of Our Lady of the Visitation Parish. Father Wessling retired from active ministry on July 1, 2002. After retirement, Father Wessling regularly provided assistance at Good Shepherd Parish, Cincinnati; he taught at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary and at Ursuline Academy, Cincinnati.
Father Wessling donated his body to science, therefore, there will be no Reception of the Body or burial service.
Memorial Mass for PRIESTS and DEACONS ONLY: Friday, February 26, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Good Shepherd Parish, 8815 E. Kemper Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45249; (513-489-8815). Celebrant: Most Reverend Dennis M. Schnurr. Homilist: Reverend J. Thomas Fitzsimmons.
