John P. Wetzel

John P. Wetzel, 85, of Highland, IL, died Wednesday, January 4, 2012, at St. Joseph Hospital, Highland, IL.

John was born May 2, 1926, to John and Ottilia M. (nee Stockmann) Wetzel, in St. Louis, MO.  On August 26, 1950, he married Lillian M. Gregory at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, St. Louis, MO.

John graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic High School in St. Louis, MO in May of 1944 and joined the Navy in June of 1944.  He served during World War II in the South Pacific.  After his Honorable Discharge from the Navy in 1946, he went to St. Louis University and earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering, graduating in 1950.  He lived in South Bend, IN from 1953 to 1958.  He came to Highland in 1958 to work for Basler Electric.  In 1972, he joined Korte Construction, retiring in 1992.  He enjoyed sports, as a young person, playing, and in his later years, following.

He was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Knights of Columbus Council 1580, 4 ^th Degree Assembly, Parish Council, American Legion Post 439, VFW Post 5694, Helvetia Sharpshooters Society, Prairie Geneology Society.  In 1972, he was the 2 ^nd Chairman of St. Paul’s Kirchenfest.

He is survived by his 4 children, Maryjo Wetzel-Bielong, Greenville, IL, John G. “Jack” (Catherine) Wetzel, Dallas, TX, Gerard M. “Jerry” Wetzel, Gainesville, FL, Michael V. (Brenda) Wetzel, Highland, IL; 7 grandchildren, Bridget Dressel, Michael Dressel, Cate Wetzel, John Wetzel, Brett Wetzel, Tanner Wetzel, BayLee Wetzel; 4 sisters, Mary Ruhland, Martha Matoushek, Florita Ficker, Barbara Wetzel; 1 brother, Eugene (Mariann) Wetzel; 1 sister-in-law, Betty Wetzel; nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John & Ottilia M. Wetzel; his wife, Lillian Wetzel; 1 brother, Paul Wetzel; 1 sister, Theresa Mager.

Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Hospital, Pregnancy Care Center or St. Paul Education Foundation.

Visitation: Sunday, January 8, 2012 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Monday, January 9, 2012 from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. at Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL

Mass of Christian Burial: Monday, January 9, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL

Clergy: Rev. Fr. Paul Kala, Parochial Vicar

Interment: St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Highland, IL

Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL