Donald Edgar Wetzel

MCFARLAND - Donald “Don” Edgar Wetzel, age 76, of McFarland, Wis./ New Kent, Va., entered the Kingdom of Heaven on Thursday, October 24, 2024. He was born on October 8, 1948, at St. Joseph’s hospital in Beaver Dam, the son of Edgar and Dorothy (McCallum) Wetzel. He was baptized on October 31, 1948, and confirmed on June 3, 1962, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Burnett, Wis. Don married his wife of 35 years, Jeanne, on May 13, 1989.

Don began his school career at Townline school, a one room schoolhouse, and Chester School for his elementary years. Don graduated from Waupun High school in 1966 where he participated in 4-H Young Achievers, the band, and played baseball. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Nursing from UW- Oshkosh in 1977 and his Master’s Degree in Nursing from UW-Madison in 1984. Don began his career in nursing at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Madison. Throughout the years, Don worked his way up into nursing administration with the VA, serving in Iron Mountain, Mich., Knoxville, Iowa, Richmond, Va., and finally in Erie, Pa., where he retired his successful career in 2008.

From his youth, Don felt a deep connection with nature which was evident through the many ways he experienced the outdoors. Whether going apple or strawberry picking (and baking treats from those pickings), canoeing lakes and rivers, visiting state parks, hunting game birds and deer with family, playing golf or being on the family farm, nature was always a special place for adventure and comfort.

Don’s joy was most radiant in the many moments shared with family and friends. He loved gatherings for birthdays, holidays, weddings, and any other occasion that brought family together and through those times many memories were made. Don’s love and care for his wife, Jeanne, his children, and grandchildren was evident in so many ways. His family was a source of pride and were never far from his heart.  Don never missed an opportunity to tell a story about anything from special moments with family, one of his vast arrays of hunting or golfing highlights, growing up on the farm, or entertaining times with friends from his youth and adulthood. Any story that tickled his sense of humor always made for good telling- sometimes more than once!

Don is survived by his wife, Jeanne; children, Tiffany (Marty) Kvalheim, Chris (Mindy) Wetzel, Kelley (Terry) Lipscomb and Dale Ary; his brother, Darwin (Mary) Wetzel, and sister, Donna (Bryan) Ness; his grandchildren, Sean, Logan, Makenzie (Stone), Anastasia (Trevor), Alex (Kailey), Kelsey (CJ), Evan, Sophia and Cora; great-grandchildren Beau, Presley, and MayLynn; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar and Dorothy Wetzel.

A memorial service will be held at MCFARLAND LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5529 Marsh Road, McFarland, at 12 noon on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, with Pastor Kelli Schmit presiding. Family and friends who wish to view the service via LIVESTREAM may visit Don’s obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com at the time of the service and click on “Watch Now” in the Webcast section. Visitation will be held at the church from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.
 

The family would like to thank the Belleville EMS, Fitch-Rona EMS, and Dane County Sheriff’s Department for their response and care. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross in Don’s name.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420