By Harry Bartel, Hugoton

I believe you did a fine job of covering the life of Walter (Pete) Wessel. It is great to see a local paper take an interest in human events, just as well as the humans themselves.

I have known Pete for more than 30 years, and about the only thing that has changed in Pete, is the speed of his life. If I make it that long, I will be extremely fortunate to get along as well as he does.

If he didn’t have Marte, I don’t believe he would be here either. Those two really make a good pair.

You ought to take a look at her accomplishments, too. She will not tell you about them, except in a passing way, she is not open about sharing them, and I wish she was.

She has 372 countries confirmed with QSL cards, and that is also quite an accomplishment.

Some years ago, and I believe it was on Pete’s 90th birthday, he and I were visiting about his countries confirmed, and if I remember correctly, he was in fifth place at that time. He got real quiet for a bit, and then said something I will never forget.

“Harry, if I ever get any higher position on this list, that means I have to loose one of my friends.”

Quite a statement from such an accomplished person.

Living in Hugoton, I subscribe to our local paper, but it is interesting when one of my friends sends this kind of information for everyone’s enjoyment.

Keep up the good work.