BYRON – Wilbur W. Whetsel, age 98, died Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2018 at Swedish American Hospital in Rockford. He was born April 17, 1920 the son of Martin and Lottie (Sutter) Whetsel.
He graduated from Mount Morris High School in 1938 and attended Rock Valley Collage.
Wilbur served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII. On May 26, 1941 he married the love of his life Nina Taft at the Church of God in Oregon. They were married for 77 years. In 1947 Wilbur moved his family to Byron where owned and operated Whetsel’s Shoe Store in downtown Byron for 33 years. He also worked at Sundstrand in Rockford as an accountant retiring in 1986. In his spare time Wilbur sold real estate. He was a member of the Red Brick Church in Stillman Valley. He was also a member of the Byron Masonic Lodge # 274 where he was a 5 time Past Master and had served as secretary. He was a member of the Freeport Consistory, Oregon VFW Post # 8739, and Byron American Legion # 209. Wilbur enjoyed walking, biking, reading, and doing crossword puzzles. He was awarded the Byron Park District’s member of the month.
Wilbur was predeceased by his parents, daughter-in-law Janet L. Whetsel, 2 brothers, and 1 sister.
He is survived by his wife Nina of Byron, son Wilbur “Will” Whetsel, Jr. of Evansville, Wis., and son Thomas M.“Tommy” Whetsel of Byron, 3 granddaughters; Stephanie L. Whetsel, Stacey Beth Ramos, and Heather J. Milbach, and 7 Great Grandchildren.
Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, Dec. 24, 2018 at the Red Brick Church in Stillman Valley with the Rev. Chris Brauns Pastor of the church officiating. Visitation will be from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 at the Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, 506 W. Merchant Street in Byron followed by a 3 p.m. Masonic Service. Burial will be in the Byron Cemetery. A memorial fund is established for the Village of Progress in Oregon. To leave a condolence visit www.farrellhollandgale.com.
