Story Time: The Local Wesel Family
Photo Credit: Mason Beuhring
Recently, Marietta Community Foundation published several stories from local families in their Annual Report. Each of these stories forms a different chapter in what makes our community a beautiful, cohesive narrative that will continue for generations to come.
The greatest teachers in a child’s life are their parents. Personality traits, qualities, characteristics, and values are often innately transferred from parent to child… especially when they are regularly practiced.
Growing up in the Wesel household, Anne, Joseph II, Catherine, Lisa, David, Marilyn, Michael, and Richard, were able to see their parents, Joseph and Luada, regularly practice generosity. A practice, which despite their parents’ passing, continues today with the help of Marietta Community Foundation.
“My dad would say, ‘always put back in what you get out of your community,’” said Joseph II.
After a devastating event that left their daughter, Lisa, in a disabled state, Joseph Sr. and Luada were determined to care for their daughter on their own... a decision that would change the course of their lives.
“Rather than put her in a home, Dad and Mom took care of her in the house,” said David. “Judge Rawson found this out and approached my dad saying, ‘If you show this much care for children, you would be a good candidate for the Children Services Board.’”
Joseph Sr. would go on to serve on the Children Services Board for 30 years, and, in 2005, he and his wife would establish The Joseph & Luada Wesel Family Foundation For Children of Washington County; a fund that has provided hundreds of children with vital health and welfare resources.
“It makes me happy to know that our parents’ are still having an impact in this community,” said Anne.
In addition to their fund for local children, Joseph Sr. and Luada also created the Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption Building Maintenance Fund to preserve the historic church building.
Just as the traits of a child’s parents influence who they become, the traits of the Foundation’s donors influence the future of our community… it’s our goal to make sure that influence continues on forever!
