David Arthur Vessely, 75, a lifelong resident of North Judson, Indiana and revered Husband, Father, Son, and Friend, passed away in his home surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, September 27th, 2022.
Born in Chicago on June 6th, 1947 to Woodrow Augustine and Marie Cecelia (Baker) Vessely, David graduated from North Judson-San Pierre High School in 1965. He honorably served his country in the military starting in 1967 at Great Lakes Naval Base. As a corpsman, he was assigned to a Marine unit in Vietnam in 1969 where he was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries sustained while tending to the wounded on the battlefield.
On June 29th, 1968 David married the love of his life, Laura Lynn (Hall), in Muncie, Indiana. Thus began an inseparable bond for over 54 years and the foundation of a loving family that they nurtured steadfastly with their children Matthew (Deana) Vessely, Robb (Susan) Vessely, Michael (Amanda) Vessely, and Jill (Kevin) Zimmerman.
Receiving his bachelor’s degree (1973) & master’s degree (1980) from Ball State University, David enjoyed a career in education as a teacher, coach, and ultimately athletic director at his high school alma mater for 37 years. He retired in 2011 having made countless friendships that he cherished beyond words. David’s other career, however, was his most rewarding as Grandpa to Joseph, Katherine, Anna, Sarah, Madeline, Ava, Vivian, Nora, Kade, and Laylee. They always brought out the best in Grandpa and he treasured every moment with them.
For over 30 years, David also loved his annual summer fishing trip to Nevis, Minnesota with family and friends. He enjoyed attending concerts and musicals as well as serving as the family instigator by cheering against the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears, and Notre Dame.
David’s life was defined by Service. Service to his Family, Friends, Neighbors, Country, and Catholic Faith. The strength of his Faith was unwavering and shaped the Faith of those around him. He lived his Faith through charity, kindness, and generosity of spirit.
David was such a loyal, loving, and humble man who gave all of himself to others while never asking for anything in return. While often soft-spoken, he possessed a dry, wicked sense of humor that certainly made him one of a kind.
Family members welcoming David into Heaven include his parents, sister Diane (Thomas) McCallum, and brother Douglas (Cindy) Vessely. Other surviving family members include his brother Daniel (Mona) Vessely and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A Funeral Mass will be held at SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in North Judson on Saturday, October 15th, 2022 at 10:00am Central Time. Burial will immediately follow at St. Jacob Cemetery in North Judson. Following the graveside services, a celebration of David’s life will be held at the Route 10 Bar & Grill (which many remember as Doug’s Restaurant) in North Judson at Noon Central Time. All are welcome to reminisce about the wonderful memories shared with him over the years.
O’Donnell Funeral Home is graciously handling all arrangements. Tributes for David can be made on their website at odonnellfhome.com/obituaries. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the North Judson-San Pierre High School Athletic Department.
Your family loves you, misses you, and will honor you always.
This is the day that the Lord has made….let us rejoice and be glad in it.
-Psalm 118:24
