STILLMAN VALLEY – Donald W. Wetzel, age 91, went home to be with the Lord on April 25, 2021 at Serenity Hospice and Home in Oregon. He was born on April 20, 1930 in Rochelle the son of Joe and Edna (Thomas) Wetzel.
He married the love of his life Joanne Kittle on June 25, 1960 in Ashton. She preceded him in death on Aug. 27, 2000. Donald graduated from Ashton High School class of 1949. He proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War at which time he formed a special lifelong bond with his platoon brothers. This group, the 808 Army Emgineers, has had reunions every few years since his honorable discharge in 1955. After returning home he spent his lifetime farming in the Davis Junction area. He is a member of Kishwaukee Community Evangelical Presbyterian Church. Don hosted the Tres Dias Tuesday evening men’s group/Bible study for the past 12 years. Since retirement, he enjoyed seeing his friends multiple times a day, especially his coffee shop friends at Doughboys. He also loved going on long drives and checking the progress of the fields and crops in the area. But, most of all Donald loved his family and being an involved father, grandfather, and great grandfather.
He is survived by his children, Karen (Kevin) Pavlik of Stillman Valley, Donald “Pete” (Lori) Wetzel of Lindenwood, Jeani (Brian) Alexander of Monroe Center, and Jodi (Douglas) Glendenning of Davis Junction; very special nephew, Alan (Anne) Wetzel of Lindenwood; special sister-in-law and brother-in-law Carol and Wayne Olson; siblings, Bob (Mary) Wetzel of Ashton and Betty Davis of Rockford; grandchildren, Clinton (Kayla) Glendenning, Cassie (Tyler) Jennings, Whitney (Joel) Detig, Kaylie (Jacob) Grover, Allison Alexander, Matthew Alexander, Kylee (Josh) Peterson, Nicholas Pavlik, Brandon Wetzel, and Blake Wetzel; great grandchildren, Ava, Joanna, Blake, Nora, Ella, Will, Kadence, and Kinsley; and several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Joanne, and siblings Rae, Wayne, and JoAnn.
A walk through visitation was held at 12:30 p.m. on Friday April 30, 2021 at Monroe Center Community Church with a funeral service following at 1:30 p.m. with Pastor Bob Mellon officiating. Burial followed at Stillman Valley Cemetery. The family would like to thank everyone from Serenity Hospice for their loving care of Donald. Memorials are established for Serenity Hospice and Home. To leave an online condolence please visit www.farrellhollandgale.com
