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Welcome to the memorial page for
Jeffery Stephen Vessely
September 2, 1946 ~ February 1, 2016 (age 69) 69 Years Old Leave a Condolence
Message from Cj
February 22, 2016 10:18 PM
To The Family, I want to express my deepest sympathy for your loss. I also want to share the comfort of John 5:28,29 where we are promised that those who have fallen asleep in death have the hope of receiving a "resurrection" back to life. Life on an earth restored to a beautiful paradise. Psalms 37:11 says, "The meek ones themselves will possess the earth, and they will indeed find their exquisite delight in the abundance of peace." While we await that wonderful time please find comfort in these promises. www.JW.org
Message from Lloyd I. Hisaka
February 11, 2016 10:08 PM
Sue and Family: Like many in our NIRSA family, I was saddened to hear of Jeff's passing. I'm just happy I got to spend some time with Jeff (with Jeff it was never a few minutes) on the phone a few weeks ago. He was a true professional and friend. My NIRSA conference experiences will never be the same but the memories of you and Jeff will be in my heart forever. And now I have the pleasure of hearing "Jeff stories" from his high school buddy, Dale Spenner. After 30 years of being away from Hawaii, I will never forget how the old-time waitresses at the Flamingo Chuckwagon hugged him when he walked in the door. To me that was the kind of person Jeff was--someone I will never forget!
Message from C. Smiley Reeves
February 11, 2016 4:43 PM
La Tech Kinesiology Eta Eta Chapter extends deepest sympathy for your loss. Jeffrey was a generous man who truly loved people and Phi Epsilon Kappa. His personality was of joy and life. We will miss his laughter and energy!
Message from Ron Feingold
February 9, 2016 9:37 AM
I am sorry to hear about Jeff.
I had been in contact with him for over 25 years as Phi Epsilon Kappa Executive director and often saw him at the AAHPERD conferences.
Ron Feingold
I had been in contact with him for over 25 years as Phi Epsilon Kappa Executive director and often saw him at the AAHPERD conferences.
Ron Feingold
Message from Cj
February 8, 2016 8:28 PM
To The Family, I want to express my deepest sympathy for your loss. I also want to share the comfort of John 5:28,29 where we are promised that those who have fallen asleep in death have the hope of receiving a "resurrection" back to life. Life on an earth restored to a beautiful paradise. Psalms 37:11 says, "The meek ones themselves will possess the earth, and they will indeed find their exquisite delight in the abundance of peace." While we await that wonderful time please find comfort in these promises. www.JW.org
Message from Gary Albright
February 8, 2016 6:11 PM
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Jeff. Please accept my condolences.
I have known Jeff for over 35 years through both NIRSA & PEK. We served on committees together and visited every year at the NIRSA conference. He played every year in the NIRSA Foundation golf tournament where we exchanged stories and some were probably white lies. He always spoke fondly of his family. He touched many people over the years and was a great person to pattern your life after. Jeff will be greatly missed but not forgotten.
I have known Jeff for over 35 years through both NIRSA & PEK. We served on committees together and visited every year at the NIRSA conference. He played every year in the NIRSA Foundation golf tournament where we exchanged stories and some were probably white lies. He always spoke fondly of his family. He touched many people over the years and was a great person to pattern your life after. Jeff will be greatly missed but not forgotten.
Message from Yvonne Calvin Adviser and PEK Gamma Zeta Chapter Student & Faculty Members
February 5, 2016 3:19 PM
To the family and friends of Mr. Jeffery Stephen Vessely Please accept our most heartfelt condolences. It was a privilege and honor to meet Mr. Vessely when he visited the Grambling State University Campus.
Message from Sara Terrell
February 5, 2016 2:07 PM
My path crossed with Jeff in December 2014 when he helped re-activate PEK at Florida Southern College. I was impressed with his professionalism, his love for working with students, and his passion for supporting PEK within higher education settings. He was truly an ambassador for our profession and PEK fraternity.
My deepest sympathies in your loss.
Dr. Sara Lynn Terrell, Florida Southern College Exercise Science
My deepest sympathies in your loss.
Dr. Sara Lynn Terrell, Florida Southern College Exercise Science
Message from Becky Hull, Anderson University
February 5, 2016 1:27 PM
Family of Jeff,
At this sad time, know that your loved one is being remembered by friends who knew him as a kind and unselfish man. He was a loyal IUPUI staff member and colleague. He had a heart for students and for his profession. He gave his time to serve both generously. I remember crossing paths in IAHPERD and in Phi Epsilon Kappa. He kept the banner flying proudly inviting others to join him. He embodies one of PEK's tenets: Friendship hath power. May he rest in peace. Grace and peace to all of his family.
At this sad time, know that your loved one is being remembered by friends who knew him as a kind and unselfish man. He was a loyal IUPUI staff member and colleague. He had a heart for students and for his profession. He gave his time to serve both generously. I remember crossing paths in IAHPERD and in Phi Epsilon Kappa. He kept the banner flying proudly inviting others to join him. He embodies one of PEK's tenets: Friendship hath power. May he rest in peace. Grace and peace to all of his family.
Message from Rick Brown
February 5, 2016 12:20 PM
Jeff's passing is a loss for all, especially his family which he so deeply treasured.
I knew Jeff as a fellow Kiwanian, working with him for 17 years to improve living conditions for children in Indy and some worldwide projects. His project planning, group leadership, public speaking and motivational skills where unsurpassed, helping to produce too many philanthropic contributions and achievements to begin listing. However one of his roles provides insight into Jeff's cheerful and productive approach to life.
When our club held a "white elephant auction," Auctioneer Jeff would survey the tables of junk and semi-crap donated by the members, then organize the items into "bundles" which he would label and market; "this is the happy Grandpa set," or "now the complete holiday decor package," then persuade the club members to overbid, paying too much for the re-packaged stuff. Thus the closet cleanings of a few dozen people, plus a half hour of Vessely's charm, chiding, and cajoling would generate hundreds of dollars for children's charities. Jeff's magic was perceiving a way to cluster together the miscellaneous pieces of life so that they became more valuable after they were somehow connected by his involvement.
Jeff was an exemplary role model for many people, making us each better for our association. He will be missed and lovingly remembered.
I knew Jeff as a fellow Kiwanian, working with him for 17 years to improve living conditions for children in Indy and some worldwide projects. His project planning, group leadership, public speaking and motivational skills where unsurpassed, helping to produce too many philanthropic contributions and achievements to begin listing. However one of his roles provides insight into Jeff's cheerful and productive approach to life.
When our club held a "white elephant auction," Auctioneer Jeff would survey the tables of junk and semi-crap donated by the members, then organize the items into "bundles" which he would label and market; "this is the happy Grandpa set," or "now the complete holiday decor package," then persuade the club members to overbid, paying too much for the re-packaged stuff. Thus the closet cleanings of a few dozen people, plus a half hour of Vessely's charm, chiding, and cajoling would generate hundreds of dollars for children's charities. Jeff's magic was perceiving a way to cluster together the miscellaneous pieces of life so that they became more valuable after they were somehow connected by his involvement.
Jeff was an exemplary role model for many people, making us each better for our association. He will be missed and lovingly remembered.
Message from Greg Jordan
February 5, 2016 11:55 AM
Sue and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. What a wonderful life for our dear friend Jeff, who always had time to talk and share stories and opinions! I recall meeting him as an undergrad at IU at one of the very first state meetings. He is a friend and a mentor. Working with Jeff over the years in numerous NIRSA endeavors was always enjoyable. We are all better because of who he was and how he lived his life.
With NIRSA love,
Greg
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. What a wonderful life for our dear friend Jeff, who always had time to talk and share stories and opinions! I recall meeting him as an undergrad at IU at one of the very first state meetings. He is a friend and a mentor. Working with Jeff over the years in numerous NIRSA endeavors was always enjoyable. We are all better because of who he was and how he lived his life.
With NIRSA love,
Greg
Message from Christy Killman
February 5, 2016 10:39 AM
My heart is sad at the news of Jeff's passing. I only knew him through PEK but hold the highest regard for him and all he stands for in our profession. Please accept my sincere sympathy at this difficult time.
Message from Joe MacDonald
February 5, 2016 5:53 AM
My heart goes out to you Sue. Jeff was and will always be at the core of my very good feelings about my association with NIRSA and the many friends made over the years. Jeff always made me laugh as he had a way about him to engage all people. His generosity and love was openly expressed in all he did to help make this world a better place. Jeff is now at peace in God's hands.
Message from Micheal Fort
February 4, 2016 5:54 PM
I am so saddened by the loss of Jeff. He was a friend from High School. I would only see him every ten years or so but he always could brighten my day. In a small, rural high school, Jeff was among the elite but was a friend of all. Goodbye, old friend. You will be missed much more than you could ever know.
Message from Roy Easley
February 4, 2016 5:22 PM
Sue and family,
Your sorrow is shared by all NIRSA members as we will always remember what a loyal leader and fine contributer Jeff was to our organization and all the member lives he has touched. His smile and personality enlivened the spirit of all of his colleagues tied to NIRSA!
We will all miss him as another HERO has fallen!!!!!!!
Bless your family -- Sincerely, Ole Hoodoo
Your sorrow is shared by all NIRSA members as we will always remember what a loyal leader and fine contributer Jeff was to our organization and all the member lives he has touched. His smile and personality enlivened the spirit of all of his colleagues tied to NIRSA!
We will all miss him as another HERO has fallen!!!!!!!
Bless your family -- Sincerely, Ole Hoodoo
Message from Ryan Bradshaw
February 4, 2016 4:35 PM
Sue and family,
I'm very sorry to hear of Jeff's passing. I had the pleasure of serving on the NIRSA Assembly with Jeff and he was a great leader and innovator in this field. He will be missed.
Ryan
I'm very sorry to hear of Jeff's passing. I had the pleasure of serving on the NIRSA Assembly with Jeff and he was a great leader and innovator in this field. He will be missed.
Ryan
Message from Rob Stinson
February 4, 2016 3:03 PM
Sue and family, Diane and I were deeply saddened to hear of your loss. We feel blessed to have known him and shared many wonderful times at the annual NIRSA conference and some time ago at the Executive Institute. May you find strength in your memories and your faith. Sincerely, Rob and Diane, Calgary
Message from Kent Weaver
February 4, 2016 3:01 PM
I have the greatest memories of time spent with Jeff - as a student, a Brosius camper, a member of his Recreational Sports Department staff, and at Camp Brosius. Jeff was even my faculty advisor. I have never called him Jeff before, and my respect for him leaves me uncomfortable calling him Jeff now. I know he will be greatly missed by his family and close friends. I haven’t done a very good job keeping contact! Hearing of his passing brings to mind some of my greatest, and my most precious past joys. My deepest condolences to all he loved and all who love him. He had a profound impact on my life!
Sincerely,
Kent Weaver, Class of 1985
Sincerely,
Kent Weaver, Class of 1985
Message from Patti Bostic
February 4, 2016 1:07 PM
So very saddened to hear this news. Sue, you and Jeff were always so nice to me during all those NIRSA years. It with smiles I reflect. Hugs to you and yours and may your memories warm your heart. Much love,
Patti Bostic
Patti Bostic
Message from William Healey
February 4, 2016 12:31 PM
Sue and Family, Sad to hear of the loss of our colleague Jeff. I had the pleasure of serving on the NIRSA board and management school with Jeff . I can't tell you what business we conducted but the dinners were always a hoot. I will truly miss him .
Sincerely ,
Bill
Sincerely ,
Bill
Message from Sarah Murphy
February 4, 2016 10:57 AM
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Jeff's passing leaves a big hole in so many lives. Having served on the homeowners association board with Jeff for almost 20 years it will seem very strange not sitting next to him at the board meetings. He was as someone else said - a gentle giant. Love to all.
Message from Eric and Robyn Stein
February 4, 2016 10:37 AM
Robyn and I were so sad to hear the news about Jeff. He will be missed by all as there is no question that he was one special person that positively touched the lives of so many. Our prayers and thoughts are with Sue and the family during this difficult time.
Message from Chris Dawe
February 4, 2016 10:13 AM
Sue and family,
My deepest sympathy for your loss. Jeff was, and will remain, a treasured member of our Honourary Canuck family in NIRSA. He had a profound impact on the lives of so many NIRSA members and the Recreation participants he served over the years and that will be a big part of his legacy. May the love of friends and family carry you through this difficult time.
My deepest sympathy for your loss. Jeff was, and will remain, a treasured member of our Honourary Canuck family in NIRSA. He had a profound impact on the lives of so many NIRSA members and the Recreation participants he served over the years and that will be a big part of his legacy. May the love of friends and family carry you through this difficult time.
Message from Howard and Mary Taylor
February 4, 2016 9:12 AM
Mary and I were so sad to hear of Jeff’s passing. He was always so caring and kind to everyone he met. I always knew that he would share something that would help me grow in some way. His passion for NIRSA and recreational programs was always evident, but his passion for others was always at the forefront of his life. We enjoyed his wit and wisdom and were certainly blest to have known him. Most importantly, his faith was evident in all aspects of his life. We hope that his family is comforted by God’s grace and mercy during this time of sorrow. Our prayers are with Susan, the rest of Jeff’s family and his friends and colleagues.
Message from Gordon Nesbitt
February 4, 2016 8:50 AM
I was deeply saddened upon receiving notification of Jeff's passing. Jeff was one of the first professionals I got to know when I started at Purdue University and have cherished our friendship and interactions over the years. I know that he is walking with the Lord now and that we will see him again.
Sue, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. Please know that Jeff was loved, admired, and respected by everyone in NIRSA and that his impact will be long lasting.
Sue, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. Please know that Jeff was loved, admired, and respected by everyone in NIRSA and that his impact will be long lasting.
Message from Greg Holzer
February 4, 2016 7:51 AM
I remember Mr. Vessely as an excellent teacher and model of professionalism who deeply cared about his students. My prayers today are for him and his family.
Message from Brian Culp
February 4, 2016 7:22 AM
Jeff Vessely was one of the greatest people I have ever met in my life. I moved to Indianapolis in 2006 and worked with him until he retired and would see him often through last summer when I returned back to Georgia. Vess was instrumental in getting me adjusted to life in Indy and he also impressed upon me the value of being good at your job, while truly loving it and having fun. Jeff and I would spend time talking in our offices and the topics would get off of work and on to the business of life. He was very good about giving you that one line that would give you confidence in what you were doing. Such a great guy. I'm glad that he knew how much we loved him and I so grateful to have crossed paths with a great man and colleague. I also want to take the time to thank his family for sharing him with us. Blessings....
Message from Cindy (Parker) Huddleston
February 3, 2016 8:45 PM
My heart goes out to Jeff's family. We were classmates at the Normal College in the early 70's. Jeff was a one of a kind. He always had a smile and was a friend to everyone. He has touched many people and has left a legacy of how to be a kind person to all. He will always be remembered as a testimony of kindness.
Prayers to his family.
Prayers to his family.
Message from Tom Warriner
February 3, 2016 7:15 PM
My heartfelt condolences to your entire family, as well as the entire IUPUI community. He was a wonderful person and an educator that impacted many of us in such a positive way. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Message from CJ Roach
February 3, 2016 6:46 PM
The news of Jeff's passing is a shock. I realize that have known Jeff for over 40 years. He's was one of those people that it was always a pleasure to reconnect with and reminisce about the good old days. My prayers and condolences to all of his family including his IUPUI family. I wish there were some way I could get there for the funeral - but I am simply unable to. I didn't realize that Jeff was only 8 years older than me - he always seemed like a father figure to me as well as a great friend! It was great that I got to spend time with him last year as a part of the 1972 team induction.
He made the world a better place and will be missed. I celebrate his life, am thankful that I had the good fortune to know him and wish him eternal rest in God's loving care.
He made the world a better place and will be missed. I celebrate his life, am thankful that I had the good fortune to know him and wish him eternal rest in God's loving care.
Message from Pat Besner
February 3, 2016 6:18 PM
Sue and family,
My deepest sympathy on your loss. Jeff's stout heart blessed all he touched. I will always cherish the time I spent with you and Jeff and smile each time I recall one of his many stories. You all remain in my prayers.
Pat
My deepest sympathy on your loss. Jeff's stout heart blessed all he touched. I will always cherish the time I spent with you and Jeff and smile each time I recall one of his many stories. You all remain in my prayers.
Pat
Message from William Crawford and Family
February 3, 2016 5:44 PM
I am greatly saddened by the loss of such a spirited and down to earth professional, mentor, and a person that I will miss very much. Dr.Vessely was a big influence in my life while attending the best Physical Education and Tourism Management Program in the nation. Such a true inspiration and humorous individual. I could write attribute after attribute but the good lord knows what he has received and what we only wish we could cherish for many years to come. May all the strength and prayers be with his lovely family. We will miss you and love ya Dr. V...
Message from Sue Oatey
February 3, 2016 5:30 PM
My thoughts and prayers are with Jeff's family at this sad time. He was an extraordinary colleague - always willing to help, always with a smile - and with great wit and wisdom. He will be missed.
Message from Sally (Mueller) Schaidhammer
February 3, 2016 5:03 PM
I am so very sorry to hear of Jeff's passing. He was, indeed, loved by his students at IUPUI. I have such fond memories of Mr. Vessely as a teacher, mentor and friend during my years at the School of Physical Education. We worked hard and played hard at Camp Brosius and Jeff was a wonderful leader and taught us some valuable life lessons. He had an infectious laugh and told hilarious stories as only he could. He must have been an awesome Grandpa! He will certainly be missed by all.
- Sally Mueller Schaidhammer class of 1987
- Sally Mueller Schaidhammer class of 1987
Message from Juliette Moore
February 3, 2016 5:00 PM
Sue and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Jeff's death, but know he is with the Lord now. He celebrated life to the full extent and he will always be a special part of your hearts and ours. NIRSA will not be the same without him;we will all miss him. I will keep you and the family in my prayers.
Hugs,
Juliette
Juliette Moore
I am so sorry to hear about Jeff's death, but know he is with the Lord now. He celebrated life to the full extent and he will always be a special part of your hearts and ours. NIRSA will not be the same without him;we will all miss him. I will keep you and the family in my prayers.
Hugs,
Juliette
Juliette Moore
Message from Cy Fritz
February 3, 2016 4:57 PM
My deepest heartfelt sympathy goes out to Jeff's family. He was one of the first individuals I got to know when I became an active member of NIRSA back in the 70's. May he rest in peace.
Message from Matt Autry
February 3, 2016 4:53 PM
My thoughts and prayers to Sue and family. Thank you for sharing one of the most amazing human beings I have had the joy of traveling this life's journey. Jeff was gracious, generous and a spirited conversationalist. He had such a great positive impact on so many students, faculty, staff and alumni. I will miss him very much.
Message from Mary Ellen Milam
February 3, 2016 4:15 PM
Sue,
I'm so sorry to hear about Jeff's passing. One of my favorite parts of NIRSA was seeing you and Jeff; hearing stories about kids and grandkids and sharing memories. I will miss his sense of humor, kindness, and warmth. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
MEM
I'm so sorry to hear about Jeff's passing. One of my favorite parts of NIRSA was seeing you and Jeff; hearing stories about kids and grandkids and sharing memories. I will miss his sense of humor, kindness, and warmth. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
MEM
Message from Jim Wittenauer
February 3, 2016 3:56 PM
I share the sorrow of Jeff passing with my former NIRSA colleagues. Always enjoyed being with Jeff at NIRSA gatherings and sharing ideas for recreational sports. Furthermore, I appreciated Jeff's recommendation when we hired John Lentz for the Recreational Sports Staff at Indiana State University in the late 1980's. John, then, replaced me as Director of Recreational Sports when I retired in 2000. Jeff was a dedicated and loyal professional. My prayers are with Jeff's family and all who knew him.
Jim Wittenauer
Jim Wittenauer
Message from Rita Milliron
February 3, 2016 12:41 PM
Sue, I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you as I lost my husband last March and miss him greatly. I worked for Jeff for awhile in the Intramural and Recreational Sports Dept. He was a kind and fun person to be around.
Message from Kathy Tucker
February 3, 2016 5:39 AM
Sue
I was sorry to learn of Jeff's death. I will always remember his humor and love of life when I taught with him at IUPUI in the late 70's. Prayers to you and your family.
I was sorry to learn of Jeff's death. I will always remember his humor and love of life when I taught with him at IUPUI in the late 70's. Prayers to you and your family.
Message from Jeanne Mulvihill
February 3, 2016 1:02 AM
Sue, my prayers are with you and your family.
Message from Nancy Vessely Burton
February 2, 2016 1:55 PM
With deepest sympathy...My favorite memories of Jeff are of family get togethers with all the cousins in North Judson.
Message from Jim Lewis
February 2, 2016 12:52 PM
So sorry to hear of your loss. Jeff always had the time for all of us and influenced me as a became a professional in the field. His story telling was incredible and he will be sorely missed.....Jim
Message from Susan Alvarez
February 2, 2016 6:12 AM
Sue and family - I am so sorry to hear about Jeff's passing. As a fellow faculty member (but on the TCEM side) I spent many hours talking and working with Jeff - especially when I was in charge of the kitchen at Brosius!
I will miss his humor and stories -
You are all in my prayers - I wish I could be there in person, but I am on family leave in PR. Susan
I will miss his humor and stories -
You are all in my prayers - I wish I could be there in person, but I am on family leave in PR. Susan
Message from David Lorenzi
February 2, 2016 6:03 AM
So sorry for your loss. I have worked with Jeff in Phi Epsilon Kappa for a number of years and he has been a mentor to me. He is going to be missed.
Message from Cathy Houston-Wilson
February 1, 2016 11:04 PM
I am so saddened by the passing of Jeff. He was a dear friend and mentor in my life. I enjoyed sitting with him at our Phi Epsilon Kappa booth at the AAHPERD Conventions year after year and catching up on our lives. He was a gentle giant who always had my back. My sincere sympathies to you all. He will be dearly missed.
Cathy Houston-Wilson, SUNY Brockport
Cathy Houston-Wilson, SUNY Brockport
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