Eugene Ray Wessner, 48

Eugene Ray Wessner of Silverdale died Dec. 2, 2003. He was 48.

Wessner was born to William F. and Geraldine Ann (Pust) Wessner in Glendive, Mont. on Feb. 13, 1955.

Wessner married Lela Biggs on July 15, 1978 in Townsend, Mont.

Wessner graduated from Powell County High School in Deer Lodge, Mont. in 1973.

He served in the U.S. Navy from 1973 to 1997, achieving the rank of E7. He was a Chief Petty Officer and was elected sailor of the year in 1989 while serving on the U.S.S. Ohio. After his retirement from the Navy in 1997, he worked for the Intel Corporation in manufacturing.

He attended Christ Memorial Church.

Wessner is survived by his wife Lela Renee (Biggs) Wessner of Silverdale; sons Brandon Eugene (Emily Wildschut) Wessner and Ryan William Wessner, both of Poulsbo; daughters Bryanne Lela (Cesar Salman Medina) Wessner of Poulsbo; father and mother-in-law Kenneth and Lela Biggs of Townsend, Mont.; and a large extended family.

Services were held Dec. 5. An inurnment at Tahoma National Cemetery will take place at a later date.

The Stone Chapel at Cherry Grove Cemetery is taking care of the funeral arrangements.

Memorial gifts may be sent to Wessner Mission Fund c/o Christ Memorial Church, 8th Ave. and Hostmark, Poulsbo, WA 98370. An Online memorial can be viewed at www.lewischapel.com.