ARLENE (HINRICHS) WETZELL - 88, of Sterling, died SUnday, Sept. 21, 2008 at CGH Medical Center. Arlene was born Oct. 26, 1919, near Sterling, the daughter of Hio and Margaret (Wolber) Hinrichs. She married Lawrence Wetzell on June 14, 1942. He died April 14, 1999. Arlene and her husband farmed in the Coleta area for 40 years before retiring in 1984. She was an active member of First Evangelical Lutheran of Jordan, having served on the council and as a past church treasurer. Arlene was a volunteer at the Pads Shelter in Sterling and served as an election judge in Genesee Twp. Surviving are her son Jim (Jan) Wetzell of Chadwick, one brother, Donald E. Hinrichs of Sterling, one sister Hazel Plautz of Sterling, two grandsons Jacob Wetzell and Jared Wetzell, and one great grandaughter Grace Wetzell. She also was preceded by four brothers, Glen, Lawrence, Alvin and Harold "Bud" Hinrichs and one sister Helen Parker. Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday Sept. 25, 2008 at First Evangelical Church of Jordan, rural Sterling with Rev. Kathy Burkheimer officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Ridge Cemetery.
Contributed by Donald E. Hinrichs

BEULAH WETZELL - Funeral services were conducted Tuesday by the Allen Funeral home for Mrs. Beulah D. Metzell of 607 West 117th Sterling, at the First Lutheral Lutheran Church of Jordan with Rev. J.L. Eshbaugh pastor officiating with burial in Oak Knoll. Flowers were cared for by Mrs. Ross Wolf, Mrs. Donald Pfundstein, Mrs. Herman Beveroth and Lundstroms. The church organist was Mrs. Lawrence Dirks and the Soloist was Lyle Dirks singing Shadow and The Lords Prayer. Church ushers were Ross Wolf and Herman Beveroth, Hio Hinrichs, assisted in parking cars. The ladies aid attend in a body and served dinner in the Church basempent following the service. Pallbears were Lawrence Dirs, Roy Wolber, Clarence Woessner, Herbert Springham, Howard Cribb and Ira Deter.
Contributed by Donald E. Hinrichs from the Sterling Gazette

CAROL WETZELL , 601 E. Ivy, Arlington Heights died Sunday [07/24/1977] after a short illness. She was a former Sterling resident and had taught in Lincoln School. Funeral services will be Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at Meadow Baptist Church, Rolling Meadows. Survivors include two daughters and her parents. Her mother, Mrs. Louise Faulkner, was a former executive director of the Sterling-Rock Falls YWCA. Her address is 300 S. Royal Drive, Horse Shoe Bend, Ark.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Daily Gazette, July 27, 1977, page 4, column

CATHERINE (OVERHOLSER) WETZELL was born in Holmes county, Ohio, Oct. 14, 1843, and came west with her parents, Martin and Barbara Overholser, settling in Genesee township in 1853. On January 19, 1965, she was married to Henry Wetzell, then of Coleta, and they made that village their home until the fall of 1872, when they moved to a farm they had purchased in Hume township where they lived for over 40 years, raising a large family and being held in the highest esteem by their friends and neighbors. On account of declining years, they decided to leave the farm and purchased a residence in Rock Falls moving there in 1913. After living in Rock Falls about three years, Mr. Wetzell died. Mrs. Wetzell maintained her home there until her death Sept. 1, 1927, at the age of 83 years, ten months and 14 days. Mrs. Wetzell belonged to the United Brethren church of Coleta and the home department of the Rock Falls M. E. Sunday school. She was a good Christian woman, a kind and loving wife and mother, always ready while health permitted, to lend a helping hand in times of trouble, always thinking of the comforts of others first. She leaves to mourn her death, two sisters, Mrs. Anna Beers, of Coleta, and Mrs. George Howe of Morrison; and the following children: James, John L., William and Oscar, of Tampico; Mrs. Henry E. Olds, Lloyd, Harry, Rena and Lillian, of Rock Falls; also 16 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, besides many other relatives and friends.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Daily Gazette, september 13, 1927 WETZELL

FRANK J. WETZELL . 82, of 408 18th Avenue, Sterling, died Monday in Community General Hospital after an extended illness. Friends may call at the Melvin Funeral Home from 7 to 9 p.m. today. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home with the Rev. Jean W. Saltzman officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. He was born Aug. 5, 1892 in Genesee Township, the son of Jacob and Julia Kennedy Wetzel. He had resided in this area his entire life and married Mabel Dieterle Dec. 18, 1912. She preceded him in death Dec. 22, 1973. Survivors include three sons, Eugene of Hot Springs, Ark.; Harold and Ralph, both of Sterling; one daughter, Mrs. Raymond (Ruth) Plautz, of Rock Falls; one brother, Lyle Wetzel of Milledgeville, five granddaughters, one grandson, and two great granddaughters; six step-children including Mrs. Edward Croft of Rock Falls. He was preceded in death by his wife and two brothers.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - Sterling Gazette April 29, 1975

HARRY LESLIE WETZELL 70, 500 3rd Ave., Rock Falls, died at 7:45 p.m. Friday at Community General Hospital where he had been a patient the past 16 weeks. He was a resident of this city since 1913. The body was taken to the Wheelock Funeral Home where friends may call fter 7 p.m. Saturday. Services will be conducted from the funeral home at 4:30 p.m. Sunday by Rev. Harry E. Shiffer, pastor of the Rock Falls Christian Church. Burial will be in the Tampico Memorial Cemetery. Harry L. Wetzell was born Nov. 22, 1885 in Hume Township, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Wetzell. He was a member of the Yorktown Masonic Lodge 655, located in Tampico, the past 45 years. Surviving are four brothers, John L., William H. and Oscar P., all of Tampico and Lloyd of Long Bech, Calif.; two sisters, Mrs. Henry (Rebecca) Olds and Miss Lillian Wetzell, both of Rock Falls; and a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, James F. and Christian; and three sisters, Miss Rena Wetzell, Mrs. Jennie Milligan and Miss Lola Wetzell.
Contributed by Melva Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois July 28, 1956 - Saturday, pg 2 col 2

HENRY WETZELL - The funeral services over the remains of Henry Wetzell were held this morning at 10:30 o’clock at his late home on East Third street. Rev. Jas. Potter, pastor of the Methodist church in Morrison, and an old friend of the family, officiated, assisted by Rev. L. B. Lott, pastor of the Rock Falls M. E. church. During the services Mrs. W. H. Kelsey and Grant Landis sang. “When Night Is Near” and “Saved by Grace.” Interment was in the Tampico cemetery. The pall bearers were three members of the Tampico G. A. R., Fred W. Smith, Jessie Van Biber and Barney McGrady, and three members from the Sterling G. A. R., William Kennedy, George D. John, and H. Huber. Taps were sounded by John Kadel, Sr. Henry Wetzell was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, November 11, 1843, and passed away Saturday, April 8, 1916. He was the oldest child of a family of ten. He came to Whiteside county in the year 1855, traveling overland, and settled in Genesee township, where he lived until the year 1872 when he moved to Hume, where he bought a farm, and where he lived and prospered until three years ago, at which time he retired from farm life and moved to this city, where he had since made his home. On January 19, 1865, he was united in marriage to Kathryn Overholser, and to this happy union twelve children were born, they being James F., John L., William H., Oscar T., and Mrs. Henry Olds, of Hume, Rena M., Lillian E. and Harry L., at home, Lloyd of Drinkwater, Canada, and the deceased are Christian C., Jennie B. Milligan, and Lola V. Wetzell. Besides the children who will mourn his death are his wife, two sisters, Mrs. Sarah Buntley, of Milledgeville, Mrs. Kathryn , of Sterling, and two brothers, Samuel Wetzell, of Sterling, and Jacob, of Coleta. Mr. Wetzell was a member of Co. A. 140th Illinois Infantry, and of Will Robinson Post, G. A. R. He was a farmer practically all of his life in which business he was very successful. He was a good father and a kind husband, always looking out for the interest of his family.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Daily Gazette, April 10, 1916, page 6, column 1

JACOB WETZELL - of Coleta died Friday morning at 4 o'clock. Mr. Wetzell had been in poor health for several months, but was confined to his bed but one week. The cause of his demise was a complication of diseases. the funeral was held at the residence near Coleta Saturday morning at ten o'clock. Interment was in the Hazel Green cemetery. Mr. Wetzell was born in Stark county, Ohio, and was eighty-six years of age. He came to whiteside county in 1855 and settled in Genesee, where he resided until his death. Besides his wife there survives him seven children as follows: Ex-Superintendent Henry Wetzell of Hume, Samuel Wetzell of this city, Jacob Wetzell Jr., of Coleta, Mrs. Sarah Buntley of Milledgeville, Mrs. William Peugh of Coleta, Mrs. J. P. Overholser of this city and Miss Mary Wetzell, who resides at home. Mr. Wetzell, although not a member of any church, was a professed christian. He took part in the church meetings and was a constant student of the bible. He was a conscientious christian man in every respect and will be greatly missed in the community in which he resided.
Contributed by Karen Fyock - from the Sterling Standard Undated Scrapbook Clipping

LAWRENCE KENNEDY WETZELL , 78, of 20954 Coleta Road, Sterling, died Thursday, April 1, 1999, at CGH Medical Center following an illness. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday at First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Jordon, with the Rev. Roger V. Asplund officiating. Burial will be at Maple Ridge Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Sunday at McDonald Funeral Home,Rock Falls. A memorial has been established. Mr. Wetzell was born Feb. 4. 1921, in Genesee Township, the son of Leslie and Beulah (Gieson) Wetzell. He married Arlene Hinrichs on June 14, 1942. She survives. He and his wife farmed near Coleta their entire married life. He served as the multi-township assessor for Genesse and Jordan townships. He was a member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Jordan, served on the church council and served as church treasurer for 20 years. Survivors include a son, Jim (Jan) Wetzell of Coleta; a sister, Helen Burkholder of Sterling; two grand-sons; and several nieces and nephews.
Contributed by Donald Hinrichs from the Sterling Gazette

NELLIE (SCHWANK) WETZELL , 87 formerly of Lyndon, died Friday (17 Aug. 1984) morning at Harbor Crest Nursing home in Fulton. Graveside services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday in the Mennonite Section of Riverside Cemetery in Sterling. Visitation from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Melvin-Schilling Funeral home. A memorial has been established to the Harbor Crest Nursing home. She was born April 10, 1897, in Jordan Township, daughter of John and Elizabeth Schwank, and married William G. Wetzel in 1918 in Sterling. Nellie was employed by J. K. Chesters Co. in Sterling for a number of years, she also owned and operated Nel Bee Dress Shop in Erie. She then went on to own the W.N.L. Dress Shop in Prophetstown until retirement in Sept. 1978. She is survived by one daughter Mrs. Carter (Mary) Tuttle of Sterling. She was preceded by her husband, parents, and one sister.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois August 18, 1984 - Saturday, pg 4

LENA (POLLOCK) WETZEL - The death of Mrs. James Wetzel occurred last Friday at the Sterling hospital and the funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at th M.E. church, the pastor, Rev.F.T. Palm speaking words of comfort. Mesdames John Conroy and J.E. Robbins sang with Mrs. R.F. Woods accompanist. The church was filled with friends who knew her to love her. The pall bearers were nephews of the deceased, John Henry and Rupert Wetzell, Ward and Darrell Pollock, Ray McGovern and Will Johnson. Interment was in the Tampico Cemetery.
OBITUARY:Lena Pollock was born March 6, 1868 at Fremont, Nebraska, the daughter of Montgomery and Lena Pollock, her father having come to this country from Scotland and her mother from Sweden. They were old settlers here, going to Nebraska for a while, and then returning here to Hume Township. She was united in marriage to James Wetzell on Nov. 26, 1896, and has ever since resided in this community. To this union were born eight children, two dying in infancy. Mrs. Wetzell had been in poor health for more than a month and was taken to Sterling Public Hospital, finally succumbing there on January 31, 1930 at the age of 61 years, 10 months and 25 days. She is survived by her husband, six children and six grandchildren. The children are: Mrs. Darlene Johnson of Lyndon, Mrs. Lelia Gaumer of Sterling, Robert of Chicago and Earl, Fremont and Ruth at home. She also leaves to mourn her loss, one brother and two sisters, Joseph of Fremont, Neb., Mrs. Anna Johnson of Los Angeles, California and Mrs. Mary Davey of Rock Falls, Ill. besides many nieces and nephews and many other friends and neighbors.
Source: Old Newspaper Clipping pasted in a Scrapbook 31 January 1930
From Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois Tuesday, February 4, 1930 - pg 8

LESLIE A. WETZELL of 607 W. 11th St., Sterling, passed away at his home Sunday evening. Mr. Wetzell was born Sept. 22, 1894 in Genesee Township, the son of Jacob and Julia Wetzell. He attended school at Coleta and graduated from Milledgeville High Shool. He was united in marriage May 1, 1918 to Beulah Geason. They farmed until 17 years ago when they moved into town. He is survived by his wife, Beulah; one daughter, Mrs. Kenneth (Helen) Burkholder, of Sterling; one son, Lawrence of Rt. 3, Sterling; three brothers, Frank of Sterling, Glen of LaGrange Park, Lyle of Milledgeville; one granddaughter, Debra Burkholder of Sterling and one grandson, Jimmy Wetzell, of Sterling; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded by his parents and one brother, Harold. Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the First Lutheran Church of Jordan with the Rev. J. F. Eshbaugh officiating, with burial in Oak Knoll. Friends may call at the Allen Funeral Home from 7 p.m. Monday until noon on Wednesday when the body will be taken to the church to lie in state until the hour of services. A memorial has been established.
Contributed by Melva Taylor from The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois May 23, 1960 - Monday, pg 2 col 3

LLOYD WETZELL - Funeral services for Lloyd Wetzell, Long Beach, Calif., formerly of Rock Falls, will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Schmitt Chapel, Tampico. The Rev. Raymond Good, pastor of the Tampico United Methodist Church will officiate and burial will be in the Tampico Memorial Cemetery. Friends may call at Schmitt Chapel after 9 a.m. Wednesday. Survivig are several nieces and nephews in this area.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois May 11, 1971 - Tuesday, pg 2

MAY M. (OLDS) WETZELL , 91, of Tampico, passed away Saturday afternoon in the Sterling Community General Hospital, after an illness of ten days. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday in the Tampico United Methodist Church, the Rev. Raymond Good officiating, with burial in Tampico Memorial Cemetery. Friends may call at the Schmitt Funeral Home this evening (Monday). May Wetzell was born Sept. 12, 1877 in Como, the daughter of Delos and Mary May Olds. She was educated in the Como School. She married John L. Wetzell on March 6, 1901 in the Methodist parsonage, Tampico. She has lived in her farm home north of Tampico ever since her marriage. She was a member of the United Methodist Church, Loyalty Circle, Kings Daughters for 64 years, and taught Sunday School for many years She is survived by two sons, John H. of Rock Falls; Paul D. of rural Tampico; three sisters, one brother, eight granchildren, 31 great grandchildren, five great great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. She was preceded by her parents, husband in 1963, one son, three grandchildren, two sisters and three brothers.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois April 14, 1969 - Monday, pg 2

MICHAEL N. WETZELL , 54, of 201 W. Fifth St., Prophetstown, died Monday, Jan. 24, 20000 at Iowa City Veteran's Hospital, Iowa City, Iowa. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Garland Funeral home, Tampico, with Rev. Linda Hood, pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Tampico, officiating. Burial will be at Tampico Memorial Cemetery. Military graveside services will be accorded by Marine Inspector Instructor Staff of Rock Island. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. A memorial has been established. Mr. Wetzell was born Oct. 31, 1945, in Sterling, the son of Norman and Bette (Schultz) Wetzell. He married Diane Schultz in 1969. He served in the Marines as a sergeant during the Vietnam War. He was a heavy equipment operator. Survivors include his mother, Bette Sherman, of Tampico; a daughter, Wendy (Dave) Smith of Tempe, Arizona; a son, Scott (Angie) Wetzell of Lake Ariel, Pa.; two brothers, Ronald A. (Cynthia) Wetzell of Minneapolis and Charles S. Wetzell of Prophetstown; three grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father.

ORIENT C. (OLDS) WETZELL , 97, formerly of Tampico, died (11 Oct 1984) Thursday evening in the Prophets Riverside Good Samaritan Center, Prophetstown. Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday at 2 p.m. in the Garland Funeral Home, Tampico, with the Rev. Brad Wilson, pastor of the Tampico United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be in the Tampico Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be on Saturday from noon until the hour of services. A memorial has been established to the Tampico United Methodist Church. Orient Wetzell was born on Jan. 17, 1887 in Como, the daughter of Delos and Mary May Olds. On Dec. 29, 1908 she married Oscar Wetzell in Tampico. He preceded her on July 20, 1968. She was a member of the Tampico United Methodist Church and the Whiteside County Loyal Circle of Kings Daughters for about 70 years. Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Boline (Alice) Olson, Tampico, Mrs. John (Helen) Andreas and Mrs. Harold (Esther) Hoover, both of Sterling; one son, Harold O. Wetzell, Tampico; 11 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; and two great great grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband, one daughter in infancy, five sisters and four brothers
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - 97, formerly of Tampico, died (11 Oct 1984) Thursday evening in the Prophets Riverside Good Samaritan Center, Prophetstown. Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday at 2 p.m. in the Garland Funeral Home, Tampico, with the Rev. Brad Wilson, pastor of the Tampico United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be in the Tampico Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be on Saturday from noon until the hour of services. A memorial has been established to the Tampico United Methodist Church. Orient Wetzell was born on Jan. 17, 1887 in Como, the daughter of Delos and Mary May Olds. On Dec. 29, 1908 she married Oscar Wetzell in Tampico. He preceded her on July 20, 1968. She was a member of the Tampico United Methodist Church and the Whiteside County Loyal Circle of Kings Daughters for about 70 years. Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Boline (Alice) Olson, Tampico, Mrs. John (Helen) Andreas and Mrs. Harold (Esther) Hoover, both of Sterling; one son, Harold O. Wetzell, Tampico; 11 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; and two great great grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband, one daughter in infancy, five sisters and four brothers

OSCAR P. WETZELL , 87, of Tampico, passed away Saturday evening in the Sterling Community General Hospital following a lengthy illness. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 2 p.m. in the Tampico First United Methodist Church, the Rev. Edgard Perez and the Rev. Nathan Althoff officiating, with burial in Tampico Memorial Cemetery. Friends may call at the Schmitt Chapel tonight (Monday). A memorial has been established for the Tampico First United Methodist Church. Oscar Wetzell was born May 11, 1881 in Hume Township, the son of Henry and Catherine Wetzell. He was educated in South Hume Township schools. He married Orient Olds on Dec. 29, 1908 in Hume, and has lived in Tampico all his life. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church; Yorktown Lodge 655 AF & AM for 56 years; Farm Bureau; secretary and treasurer of the Tampico Farmers Mutual Telephone Co. for many years. He is survived by his widow, three daughters, Mrs. Boline (Alice) Olson of Tampico; Mrs. John (Helen) Andreas of Sterling; Mrs. Harold (Esther) Hoover of Sterling; one son, Harold of Hume; 11 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren; one brother, Lloyd Wetzell of Long Beach, Calif.; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded by his parents, one daughter in infancy, five brothers and four sisters.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - Sterling Gazette July 22, 1968 - Monday, pg 3

RENA WETZELL 76, passed away at the family home, 500 Third Avenue, Rock Falls, at 11:30 p.m. Tuesday (14 December 1943) following a 10-day illness, although she had been ailing for about a year. Miss Wetzell was born may 24, 1867, near Coleta, and when a small child the family moved to Hume townshp where she attended the district school. Thirty three years ago the family moved to Rock Falls where her parents passed away. Miss Wetzell, her sister Lillian and Harry have continued to reside in the family home. Six brothers and two sisters survive. They are Oscar, John L., William H., of Tampico, James F., of Sterling, Lloyd of Rosemead, Calif., Harry of Rock Falls, Mrs. Henry Olds of near Rock Falls, Miss Lillian E., in the family home. One brother, Charles Christian Wetzell, and two sisters, Jennie B. Milligan and Lola Mae Wetzell, preceded in death. Funeral services will be held from the Wheelock funeral home at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Rev. Wayne Leighty, pastor of the Rock Falls Methodist church, of which the decedent was a member, conducting the rites. The body will be taken to Tampico for interment in the Memorial Cemetery.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois December 15, 1943 - Wednesdayi, pg 14

ROBERT R. WETZELL 5104 North Ashland Ave., Chicago, a former Sterling resident, passed away early Sunday [12/08/1974] morning in a Chicago hospital. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday at Lain-Huisen Funeral Home in Chicago. He is survived by his widow, Mary, one daughter, Mary Lue; three sisters, Mrs. Gus (Darlene) Johnson, Mrs. Gerald (Ruth) Adams and Mrs. Chalres (Lelia) Gaumer; and one brother, Fremont Wetzell.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Daily Gazette, December 9, 1974, page 8, column 2

SUSANNA (BEIDLEE) WETZEL - who died last Thursday of dropsy of the heart was buried Friday afternoon at the Hazel Green cemetery. The pall bearers were Jefferson Hannis, D. C. Overholser, John Hurless, John Becker and Philip Lenhart. Mrs. Wetzel was born in holmes county Ohio Sept. 27, 1816. She was married to Jacob Wetzel in 1842. They moved to Genesee township in 1855. The fuenral services were held at the old homestead one mile north of Coleta where the deceased had lived nearly a half a century. Rev. Plumley assisted Rev. Dennis conducted the services. The deceased was when a maiden Miss Susanna Beidlee and was 85 years, 8 months and 4 days old at her death. The surviving members of the family, all of whom were present at the funeral, are: Henry of Hume Jacob of Genesee, Samuel of Sterling, Mrs. Sarah Buntley of Milledgeville. Mrs. Catherine Peugh of Genesee, Mrs. Elizabeth Overholser of Sterling and Mrs. Mary Buntley who resides at the old homestead.
Contributed by Karen Fyock -- June 4, 1902 handwritten date

W. B. WETZEL - Funeral rites for W. B. (Benny) Wetzell, former mayor of Sterling, were held at 3 p.m. Saturday in First Methodist Church. Officiating were the pastor, the Rev. Lloyd O. Coleman and the Rev. Paul Goddard of Rochelle. Mrs. Russell Meldorf was organist. The burial took place in Riverside Cemetery. Pallbearers were L. G. Brandau, Curtis C. Brandau, George Larson, Howard Mellang, David Kilburn and William E. Hill Jr. Honorary pallbearers were A. J. Goddard, Judge L. L. Winn, V. E. Jensen, E. P. Balkema, David F. Laughlin and Dan McLaughlin. Flowers were taken care of by Mrs. Howard Mellang, Mrs. David Kilburn, Mrs. William E. Hill Jr., Mrs. Scott Hitchcock and Swartley Florists.
Contributed by Barbara Nugent - Sterling Daily Gazette Tuesday 2 January 1968 2:3 Part II

WILLIAM WETZEL - The many friends of William Wetzel, popular local automobile mechanic, will be shocked to learn of his sudden and untimely death, which occurred shortly after 7:00 o’clock this morning (13 October 1934) . Death was due to a heart attack. The funeral services will be held Monday [10/15/1934] afternoon at 2:00 o’clock at the late home, eight miles north of this city, and just east of the Irvin Leitz home on Route 40, and at 2:30 o’clock at the Reformed Mennonite church on East Third street and Nineteenth avenue. Burial will be in the Mennonite cemetery adjoining the church. Mr. Wetzel had suffered several slight heart attacks, and last week informed a local physician that he expected to have him examine him shortly, and prescribe treatment. Friday night he took a truck load of coal to his home and this morning drove the truck to a parking space just across the street from the Twin City Motor Corp., where he had been employed for a number of years. He started toward his place of employment and when about 15 feet from the sidewalk, fell to the paving. He was carried into the building and a physician was called, but he passed away before the physician arrived. The body was then removed to the Trouth funeral home. Mr. Wetzel observed his fortieth birthday on Friday [10/12/1934] being born October 12, 1894, in Pennsylvania. He came to this city about 19 years ago, and but for short periods of time when he and his brother, Barney Wetzel of Polo, engaged in business for themselves, was employed by the Buick agency in Prophetstown and Sterling. On May 20, 1919, he was united in marriage with Miss Nellie Swank of Jordan township. To this union was born one daughter, Miss Betty Wetzel, a student at Sterling township high school. Besides his wife and daughter, and brother, Barney Wetzel, he is also survived by his aged mother, Mrs. Mary E. Wetzel of this city. He also has a number of relatives back east and at Fort Wayne, Ind. Mr. Wetzel was a very efficient and thorough mechanic, and there were many who would alllow no one but him to work on their car. He had a pleasant disposition and pleasing personality and this won for him a wide circle of warm friends. The sympathy of the entire community is extended the bereaved wife and family. Coroner C. M. Frye will conduct the inquest today at the Trouth funeral home.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds / The Sterling Daily Gazette, October 13, 1934, page 3, column 1.