David D. Wessman, 59, of Carlisle, passed away suddenly on Sunday, January 1, 2012, at his home. He was born on Saturday, March 15, 1952, in Bad Axe, Michigan, a son of the late Rev. Duane M. and Bettiejane (Kempf) Wessman.

David graduated from East Grand Rapids High School, received an associate degree from Keystone Junior College and earned his bachelors degree from Gannon University, Erie. He had been employed for the past 28 years as a Director with the Bongiorno Conference Center, Carlisle. David also coached softball for many years with the Carlisle, Big Spring, Shippensburg and Northern Area School Districts and was a teacher and administrator with several Christian Schools for nine years. He was a member of the Celebration Community Church, Dillsburg. He enjoyed model trains, slot cars, playing bass guitar and singing at his church. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by loving and devoted wife of more than 38 years, Jean A. (Trotta) Wessman, two daughters; Meredith V. (and her husband, Claude) Valdes of Baldwinsville, NY and Christina M. (and her husband, Derek) Price of Mechanicsburg, one sister, April Frase of Erie, five grandchildren; Keira, Ellise, Peyton, Aubree, Tirza and one grandson due this coming April and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, January 5, 2012, in the Bongiorno Conference Center, 430 Union Hall Rd., Carlisle, with Rev. Dr. Stephen R. Tourville officiating. Private burial will be held at Cumberland Valley Memorial Gardens, Carlisle. Ewing Brothers Funeral Home, Carlisle, is assisting the family with arrangements.

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My deepest sympathies and prayers go out to each of you. Dave was a wonderful man.  I appreciated our fellowship at camping conferences and was the recipient of his hospitality at the Conference Center on several occasions. He will be greatly missed in the camping ministry. May the peace of God that passes all understanding guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus as you celebrate his life and mourn our loss. Lanny Millette _______________  Jeanne, Meredith, Christina and family: Dave was a wonderful friend, and we are deeply saddened at his passing. We have been praying for your family continually Jim, Nicki, Ruth, Ketha and Gideon Line ______________ We were shocked to hear about Dave.  He was a great guy and wonderful friend. He will be missed a lot. We are praying for you all. May God be your comforter. We Love you . Love&Prayers Gary& Pat Bosley _______________  Dearest Jeanie & Family,  Our hearts are crying for you in the passing of your beloved DAVID. He always had a smile that lit up a room. Please call on us for anything you may need - we'll be here for you. Much much love to you in your greatest time of sorrow. XOX Dennis & Marsha Burkett _______________ So sorry to hear about Dave.  Please Jeanie, if you need anything, don't hesitate to call us.  Anything at all. My cell # is 386-9136.  Your neighbors at 4 Meadow Drive. Pat & Sherry Miller _______________ To Jeannie and family- so shocked and saddened by the news.  Please know that we are praying for the God of all comfort to be with all of you now and in the days ahead. Nolan and Vicki Stirkey _______________ Esther and I want to share our love and prayers with the family of our Dear Friend. John Castellani _______________ Jean, Meredith,&Christina, We were really shocked when we heard the news Sunday that Dave had passed away. We remember so many good times we had with you. He will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with you at this trying time. Please know that we are sharing in your grief, but also rejoice that he is with the Lord. We love you guys. Dave & Tea Winters _______________ Jean and family,  You all are in our prayers during this difficult time. Robert Jay family _______________ We love you all and are so sorry for your loss.  Dave will be greatly missed by all. He was a great father, husband, and friend. Dave and Sherry mMGranahan _______________ Our Love and Prayers go out to you all, we are truly sorry of the loss of Dave, this news came to a very shock to us, Dave and Jean were always great to us at church and when my sister called and told me that Dave had passed is all I do is pray for you Jeannie, God Be with you and give you comfort, we love you. Lots of Love God Bless Steve and Susan Spidle & Family _______________  What a great man the kingdom of heaven has gained! Jeanne, Meredith, Christina & families,  I am praying for all of you & your peace.  I still hear his laugh like it was yesterday. Heather (Rogers) Witt _______________ Jean,Christina and family, You are in our thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time! So glad that we will all see him again when we go to be with Jesus! Our hearts ache for you...we love you all! Keith and Lynn George _______________ My prayers go out to Dave's family that they may be comforted. Dave was inspirational to my life as my High School Principal and later as my friend. I always looked forward to visits with him at the Conference Center. His prayers and support of our ministry will be cherished forever. Looking forward to seeing you on the other side Dave. Pastor Charles Lefort _______________ My prayer is this poem I wrote will comfort you. It is:  MESSAGE FROM DAVID -  I know your hearts are heavy and you miss having me there,  but I'm with God in heaven where no one has a care.  I just shook hands with Moses, I met Job and Daniel too.  Now I am enjoying a body that's brand new.  It really was amazing when I walked through the gate  I saw the beauty of this place and I could hardly wait  to come into the presence of the Father and the Son  hearing him say to me the priceless words "WELL DONE!"  Jesus took me by the hand and said I'm so glad you came. Your place is reserved in heaven's choir  sing praises to my name.  You should see my mansion it's a sight to see.  Jesus had it custom built especially for me.  I'm having a great time up here no one is sad and blue.  We're looking forward to the day  when Christ will usher you into this very special place  where God is on his throne and  we will have the honor to worship Him alone.  Joye Atkinson _______________ Our prayers and thoughts are with the family at this trumatic time. Duane and Jean Nicholson ________________ Jeanie, Meredith and Christina~ Our hearts go out to you. We don't profess to know how you feel, because losing a loved one is so very hard and different for each family. But, we would like you to know that we will miss Dave greatly; his witness, his laugh, smile and love of jokes and his love of family. We pray that God heals you with his loving spirit and comforts you. Please let us know if we can help in any way. You are always in our prayers! God Bless~ David, Jenny, Tanner and Ethan, and Trudy Rhoads. _______________ Jeanne and girls, Paul and I are deeply saddened to hear of Dave's death. Our hearts ache, our mouths have no words: so we kneel in proxy for you to receive Peace that can only come through God Himself. Take this time to sit on the Fathers Lap and stay for a while ... as that is where you will find comfort. We Love you and will continue to pray! (((((((HUG's)))))))) Jeanne and Paul Sheaffer _______________ Dear Wessman Family, I cannot adequately put into words how sorry I am for your family's loss. Your dad/husband was such a wonderful man who invested so much in the lives of young people. I am thankful for having had the chance to know him. Please know that you guys are in my thoughts and prayers. I know that your father is dancing in heaven with Jesus....maybe even shagging a few softballs. I am so glad we serve a God who provides comfort in times of grief, and also provides the assurance of seeing our loved ones again. Until that time, I pray that His peace that passes all understanding will surround you all. Again, I am so very sorry. I know that all the wonderful things Mr. Wessman stood for will live on through you. Cindee Trapp _______________ Know that we have thought of your family every day since.  We feel pain and loss for you - yet we know that he is dancing with Jesus! John Collins Family _______________ Dear Wessman Family -----  Cindee just called us with this unwelcome news. It is not possible to verbalize how badly we feel for the 3 of you. Dave was so typical of the Messiah dads we have come to know over the years, fine man, loving and proud dad, supportive of the MC athletes, the programs and the coaches. ---- It was a blessing to enjoy his company the year that Cindee coached Meredith, and to run into him once in a while at a game in the years following. ---- The only positive I can see in this is that Dave has entered into eternal joy with the Savior that he loved and served. ---- Know that you all are in our prayers, entreating the Lord to keep your hearts and minds, and grant you peace that the world cannot understand ,even in your grief. ---- love in Christ,   George and Jan Trapp _______________ Dave has been a good friend and a fellow camping peer for many years. I will greatly miss him, we at the Christian Retreat Center will be praying for the camp and especially for the family during these difficult days. Bud Wagner _______________ Jean, Meredith, Christina and Family.  My prayers and thoughts are with you. I remember David when I was a camper at Penn-Del always working so hard with a smile on his face. God Bless you and your family. Jodi (Nearhoof) Mumma, Enola, PA ________________  Dear Jeanne, Meredith, Christina, and family, Our deepest condolences to you all on Dave's passing. Our prayers for all of you during this difficult time join the thousands of others from those whom you have touched throughout the years. Love, Jeanne (and Lee) Adle _______________ Jeanne, & family,  Please accept our deepest sympathy in your loss. We will be praying for you all. We have had calls from RVers who worked at the camp last summer. They are praying for your family too. Larry & Kathy Swartz _______________ We were saddened to hear of the passing of Dave. We worked with him this past summer at the conference center as RV MAPS workers. He will be deeply missed. Prayers go out to the family. May the Lord comfort each one. Bill and Mary Nemeth, Lansing MI _______________ To Jeannie and family,  I am so shocked about the death of Dave. I know words cannot bring comfort only the blessed Lord will be your comfort in the days ahead. Please know that you and the family are in my heart & prayers. Elaine Shughart _______________ Jeanne and family, Our hearts ache with you. Dave was an amazing Christian and we are so blessed to have developed a close friendship with you through our "Empty Nest" small group at CCC. May your strong faith help you through this most difficult time. We are here for you...just call us ANYTIME. We love you!  Kay and Chalmer Helm _______________ Dearest Wessman family,  Our deepest most heartfelt sympathy go out to you all. We did not know Dave well, but I must share that his smile made our hearts smile. Your family is and has been such a blessing to many. To share in being part of the body of Christ at Celebration, is an honor. May the Lord wrap you in his arms of comfort and give you peace. You are in our prayers and thoughts. In Love and Sympathy The Wenrich Family - Mark, Deanne & Eric Deanne Wenrich _______________ Jeanne, Christina, Meredith, You are all in our thoughts and prayers. May our heavenly Father bring you comfort and strength during your time of loss. May you feel our Lord's peace that passes understanding. We will long remember Dave's steadfastness and faithfulness. We were privileged to know him. Again our prayers and love, George & Jerry Ann Spangler ________________ I'm very sorry to hear, you guys always treated me like family, Dave made a huge impact in life, blessings to you all Rob Wells _______________ We are saddened by the recent news of David's passing onto Heaven. We had the honor and privelege, albeit, for only a brief time of knowing David. We are RV Maps volunteers and 2 years ago we stopped in at the Center and did some work. We also saw David at this years convention in Carlinville. My wife and I both agree he was the nicest and friendliest person and it was just a pleasure to talk to him. Know in your hearts how much David made an impact in our lives as well as I am sure, all those he met. Be conforted in knowing where David is and our prayers are with the family. Ken and Peggy McGowen _______________  I was deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Mr. Wessman.  My prayers are with the entire family. God will bring you through. Cheryl Heberlig _______________ Dave is now a leader at other level.   He will be missed greatly but not forgotten.  Sorry for your loss.  Michael C. Valek Family _______________  Denise & I were shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Dave. Jeanne, both you and Dave blessed us many times when our girls were competing in Fastpitch Softball together at Messiah College. Jessica send us notification from Panama of Dave's passing. Knowing both you and Dave and the girls has been an honor and a blessing. We will keep all of your families in our prayers. With sad hearts we will always remember Dave and all of your family. With much love through our Savior, Jesus - pat & denise regan _______________ Valerie and I are praying for your family continually through this time.  So sad to hear of this great loss.  I hope that the warmth of God's love surrounds you and your family and his mercies hold you tight.  Love, The Conner Family Tim Conner _______________  To Mrs. Wessman and Family, We were so sorry to hear of the sudden passing of Dave. I recall how he always greeted us with a smile when we attended Bethel Assembly of God. We will always remember his kind heart and spirit. May you know God's presence at this very difficult time. Kathy and John Hefelfinger _______________ To all of Dave's family-- I just want all of you to know how shocked I was to learn of Dave's passing. I will always remember the good times that we had at Carlisle and Northern coaching softball. Dave was a wonderful person and a great friend. There was never a doubt on how important God and family was to him. I still quote some of his sayings as I coach and go through life experiences. I truly will miss him. May God comfort all of you in the coming days.   Nyle D. Monismith _______________ We mourn with you. Dave was such a significant person in shaping how I look at and live life. His time at MVCA set a great example for me on how leaders live and serve. You were all a joy to be with, and I am forever grateful for the impact Dave had on me. Ben Thompson _______________ Jeanie and Family, Words can't express how saddened we are to hear of Dave's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. Ron and Donna Domenick _______________  David,  We are so sorry for your loss.  May God be with you and guide you through this very difficult time. Our prayers are with you. Marcy Hockenberry Bitner and family _______________  Our deepest condolences to the Wessman family and friends.  Our prayers are with you all. Love, The Noftz Family _______________  Jeanie and Family, So sorry to hear about Dave's passing.  We remember all the good times we shared when you lived in Houtzdale.  Our prayers and love at with you and your family.  May the love of God comfort you.  Ron and Laurie Martin _______________  Jean & family, Our hearts are truly saddened by the homegoing of Dave. You are in our thoughts and prayers. There are no words to describe what David meant to us. He was a wonderful person, a godly man. His love for the Conference Center and all the groups that used it was amazing. The many years that I served as Missionettes Coordinator and worked with Dave at each Powette and Power Surge showed me the dedication He had for the Lord's work. May God grant you comfort and strength in the coming days. His grace is sufficient to meet every need. Anthony & Angie Sorbo _______________ Jeanne, Meredith & Christina - No words could adequately convey my sorrow and my sympathies. We grieve with you. Our hope is in our heavenly Father, who will reunite us with Dave in the days ahead. You are continually in our prayers Tim and Carolyn Satryan _______________  Our most sincere sympathies at this difficult time.  We knew David's parents very well. Marian and Paul Peck _______________  Dear Jeanne, Christina, and Meredith, I can't begin to tell you how sorry and shocked I was to hear of Dave's passing. He was an absolutely wonderful person who loved all of you especially all of the grandkids. His love of Jesus was really obvious and he had God in his heart. It was a pleasure working with him at Carlisle and Northern. I still use some of his sayings in my coaching. I considered him to be a great friend and would ask him for his opinion from time to time. Trust in God to help you through this extremely difficult time. If their is anything that Jan and I can do for you, please do not hesitate to ask. Nyle and Jan Monismith _______________ Jeanne, Meredith, Christina and family, We were very shocked to hear of our loss. Dave will be very sorely missed!! He was a wonderful man of God. We are thinking of you and praying for you and your family daily. Your family is constantly on our minds and we sympathize with you deeply. We wanted to call but our emotions will get the best of us. If there ever is ANYTHING you need please don't hesitate to ask. We love you all! May God be with you and bless and keep you all in His loving arms! Love you lots!  Claude and Laura _______________  Having known Dave for quite awhile and worked a little with him, I appreciated his pleasant attitude. A remark made by one of the staff here at Teen Challenge in Rehrersburg, who knew him as a student said, "He was always smiling." I smiled, because that was true..... he was a great example of a "Man of God." He will be missed Al Pundt _______________ Jeanne, Christina, & Meredith,  You will be in my family's thoughts & prayers. David was a wonderful person & I remember him mostly for being my teacher in high school at Bethel. He was the most patient person I have ever met. He will be remembered lovingly & always by many people & deeply missed by all his family including us! We will keep you in our prayers for the upcoming "days after." A void will be left but you & your children will fill it with precious memories of a gentle husband, wise father & loving grandfather. Randi (Trotta) Patterson & family _______________ My sincerest condolences. He sure was a great man,  I will always remember his smiling face and dedication to kids Gerry Schwille, Athletic Director, Northern High School _______________ My friendship with Dave and Jean goes way back to the early 1970s when I was a part of the CAs of the Moosic Assembly of God church who held a special bond of friendship in Christ. I and the many others who knew him will never let that friendship go from our hearts. From what I have read here Dave has not changed one bit. He was one of the nicest friends I ever got to know. His kindness, compassion and friendly smile will never leave my memory! I am sorry Jean I didnt get the opportunity to meet up with both of you in recent times. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your beautiful family. May the sorrow you feel in your heart lighten by the love that surrounds you. Bruce Zahornacky _______________  My prayers and thoughts are with your family. Dave will be missed. Leslie Jones, Celebration Church _______________ Your message of condolence will appear here. Back to Obituaries

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