Hans Bernhard Wessels

Longtime Bradenton resident Hans Bernhard Wessels, nature lover and boater, entrepreneur and businessman, passed away Friday, December 6, 2024 at the age 95. Hans was a beloved husband, dad, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.

Hans was born in Ritterhude, Germany, in 1929. He immigrated to the United States with his wife Trudy in 1956. It was a very important day in 1964 when he became an American citizen. He was very proud to call this country home.

While living in New York and Connecticut, with his wife Truly, they ran a luncheonette, owned a Hallmark card and gift store, and a liquor store. Once they settled in Florida in 1976, they owned a trophy and sports store as well as two Hallmark shops.

Hans was an avid boater who was a lifetime member and past Commander of the Anna Maria Island Sail and Power Squadron. His love for being on the water started as a young man paddling his portable fold-up kayak on the Hamme river in Germany. Whether on a boat or on waterskis, he was most content being on the water. He also enjoyed hiking, gardening, traveling the world, and dancing with Trudy. One of his favorite hobbies was creating one-of-a-kind stained glass pieces, lamps, or pictures.

He was a devoted and loving family man. He would never miss bringing donuts to his great-grandchildren on a Saturday morning.

He joined the Masonic Lodge in New York more than 65 years ago, and he came an active Shriner at the Sahib Shrine Center in Sarasota. He was a proud volunteer for the Shriners Hospital for children, a member and past president of the Sabib Oriental Band, a member of the Order of Quesacotl, and served as Camxtli (president) in 2006. He was also honored as OKET.

Hans is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Trudy (Buchholz) and their daughters Christine of St. Petersburg, FL and Sonja (husband Jeff), his grandchildren Nathan (wife Lindsay) of Dover, NH and Kyle (wife Clary) of Orlando, FL, and great-grandchildren Kason, Cameron, and Chance.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Groover Funeral Home, 1400 36th Ave East, FL 34222.

Memorial contributions may be sent to The Shabib Transportation Fund, c/o Sahib Shrine Center, 600 N Beneva Rd., Sarasota, FL, 34232.