John Richard (Dick) Fessel, age 78, passed away Tuesday, October 18, 2011.

He was born December 20, 1932, in Olney to John Ed and Dorothy (Weaver) Fessel.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, November 19 at First Presbyterian Church in Olney.

Dick started Dick Fessel, Ltd. in 1962 and also consulted clothing businesses across the country in inventory liquidation. He was a member of the Illinois Retailers Association, Olney Chamber of Commerce, Elks Club, Richland County Country Club, Rotary Club, Petroleum Club, and appropriately, the Illiana Jazz Association. Dick loved music and was a Dixieland Jazz aficionado, sponsoring two private concerts in Olney headlining Singleton Palmer and The Salty Dogs.

As a lover of golf, attending the Masters and winning the Member-Guest tournament at the Traverse City Country Club two times were highlights for him. He loved sports, and continuously supported local teams in many ways.

For a number of years, Coaches Corner was broadcast on WVLN from the “suit room” at the store.

Dick is survived by his wife, Joan (Hindenach) Fessel; two sons, Michael Fessel and wife, Lynn, of Jackson, Michigan, and Pat Fessel and wife, Rebecca, of Olney; and one daughter, Janet Fessel, of Jackson, Michigan; four grandchildren, Ryan Fessel, Joshua Fessel and wife, Shana Kohnstamm, Jessica and husband, Adam Chambers, and Ceily Fessel Doan; one great-grand-daughter, Taylor Morning; one brother, David Fessel and wife, Marilyn of Mattoon, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

Dick will be sadly missed and will be most remembered for his infectious smile.

Published in Olney Daily Mail (IL)