John F. Wesselhoeft

On May 12, 2021, the eternal spirit of John F. Wesselhoeft departed this world for the bright hope of eternity. John, of Richfield, Ohio, died after years of treatment for lymphoma and leukemia. He leaves behind his wife, Deborah, their three children, Kirsten (Klaus), Ky (Jenna), and Christian, and three grandchildren. John is also survived by his father, Carl Johannes and by his siblings, Ruby Dunlap (Robert), Paul (Mary Lou), Ruth Bender (Michael), Carol Kempton (Glen), and Conrad (Marcie). He was preceded in death by his mother, Leota Wesselhoeft, and his sister, Evelyn.

John was born on December 18, 1955, in Mogadishu, Somalia. His childhood years were spent there and at boarding school in Tanzania, before his family relocated to Logan, OH in the mid-1960s. John graduated from Logan High School in 1973 and from Case Western Reserve University with a B.S. in Accounting in 1977. John was admitted to partnership in the global firm Andersen Consulting at the age of 31, the youngest to make partner at that time. He had a 27-year career there, and he was honored to be among the founding partners and shareholders when the company became Accenture.

John and Deborah were blessed with nearly 42 years of marriage. During their life together, they lived in Bath, OH, Bad Soden, Germany, Greenwood Village, CO, and Litchfield Park, AZ, as well as Richfield, OH. From his childhood in Somalia to his travels as an adult, John maintained a spirit of exploration. He was never at a loss for something to do. His industriousness began with helping Somali friends herd goats, working on farm berry patches, hayfields, and orchards, and doing carpentry and electrical work as he paid his way through college.

John was an analytical thinker. Whether through his BMW motorcycle, his Sprinter RV, or the garden cottage he built at his home in Richfield, John had an abiding interest in building things and understanding systems. He also found great peace in nature. After his retirement, he and Debbie enjoyed gardening, hiking, yoga, daily walks with their two beloved dogs, Rudi and Benji, and traveling on the open road.

John had a servant’s heart. He cared for Debbie through sickness and health. As a father, he was always an example of integrity and a dependable source of wisdom and support. As “Pop Pop,” he was a favorite playmate of his grandchildren, Stella, Felix, and Meyer.

Throughout his illness and final days, John maintained a happy spirit giving thanks daily for the rich life he had been given, the blessings of family, and the sustaining hope in the message of Christ.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to show support may make a donation to Mennonite Central Committee (www.mcc.org). MCC is a global ministry dedicated to meeting basic human needs and building peace and justice, which John and Debbie supported throughout their life. A private memorial will be held at a later date.

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N. Miller Road Akron, OH 44333.