Wesley Schlosser

ORAN, Mo. -- Wesley Louis Schlosser, 78, of Oran went to be with his heavenly father Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009.

He was born Oct. 25, 1930, to loving parents Ed and Ida Westrich Schlosser in Kelso, Mo. He married Emma Louise Job on Sept. 12, 1950.

In 1952 Wes and the love of his life, Louise, moved to his great-uncle Joe Schlosser's farm outside Oran.

Wesley not only worked the land but also was a great businessman. He was a salesman from 1965 to 1974 with John D. Brush Safe Co. (Keep Safe Division) and from 1974 to 1978 he worked for Bonanza Buildings as a salesman. In 1978 he started a business, Stockade Buildings, which is now located in Morley, Mo. He was a member of Guardian Angel Church in Oran and a member of St. Joseph Sodality.

He served as a master sergeant in the U.S. Army in the 1950s.

Wesley was president of Schlosser Farms Inc., former owner/president of Stockade Buildings, past DDF chairman with the Rev. Ralph Duffner, charter member of Knights of Columbus Council 4311 and member 59 years, past president of Stoddard County Public Water District 2, past president of Perkins Volunteer Fire Department and past member of Elks Lodge in Chaffee, Mo.

Wes was a hard worker who had faith in the Lord and his guidance in working the soil. He saw God's creation in the beauty of the Earth and the crops that could provide for his family and others. His special time of year was harvest season to see the blessings God had bestowed on the land. He always felt that God answered his prayers.

Wes had many health problems, but it was his determination and the love of his family that allowed him to stay independent. His children assisted him in fulfilling his need of an occasional "farm experience" in driving the combine. They relied on his expertise and advice even in his last weeks of life.

Survivors include five children, Donna (Riche) Walker of Advance, Mo., Danny (Kim) Schlosser of Painton, Mo., Cathi Schlosser of Cape Girardeau, Connie (Steve) McAnelly and Douglas (Kristi) Schlosser of Oran. His eight beautiful grandchildren are Christopher Walker and fiancee Mary Ellen of St. Louis, Sara and Matthew Walker of Advance, Danielle Schlosser of Cape Girardeau, Stacey Schlosser of Advance, Todd McAnelly of Oran, Olivia and Riley Schlosser of Oran.

He is also survived by a sister, Glenda (Elmer) Kenkel of Scott City; a brother, Vernon (Revella) Schlosser of Scott City; and an aunt, Geraldine Schlosser of Sikeston, Mo.

He has been greeted in heaven by his wife, Emma Louise Schlosser; a son, Richard Schlosser; his mother and father, Ed and Ida Schlosser; and a sister, Betty Lou Schlosser, who died as an infant.

Friends may call after 4 p.m. Friday at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Oran.

The K.C. rosary will be at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at the chapel.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Guardian Angel Catholic Church, with the Rev. Randy Tochtrop officiating. Burial will be in Guardian Angel Catholic Cemetery, with full military rites by Missouri Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Guardian Angel Catholic Church or Missouri Diabetes Association.