David P. Wetzel's Obituary
David P. Wetzel, Sr., 85, of Decatur, died Friday, October 12, 2012 in St. Mary's Hospital, Decatur.
Mr. Wetzel was born May 27, 1927, in Cincinnati, OH, son of Louis J. and Sarah Elizabeth (Steigerwald) Wetzel. A WWII Army Air Corp Veteran, David worked as a supervisor for ADM before retiring in 1989. He was a graduate of Purcell High School in Cincinnati in 1945 and St. Thomas Moore College in 1952. David was a member of Ss. James and Patrick Catholic Church, a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus and past Grand Knight of Msgr. Gerdy Council in New Richmond, OH. He married Eileen Ann O'Brien April 21, 1951 in Cincinnati, OH.
David was active in Scouting as a Scout Master of Troop 333, and his family was recognized with the "Great America Family Award" in 1989. He received the State of Illinois Environmental Hero Award in 2007 for his work in exploring alternative fuels and was a founding member of Decatur's support group for troops overseas, "Operation Enduring Support."
Surviving is his wife, Eileen of Decatur; children, Peter J. (Robbie) Wetzel of Mt. Zion, Michael T. (Elizabeth) Wetzel of Decatur, Robert L. (Angela) Wetzel of Decatur, and Christopher M. (Eleanor) Wetzel of Aurora; daughter, Elizabeth A. (Scott) Marlin of Potomac, MD, James P. (Cindy) Wetzel of Madison, AL, Pauline M. (Jose) Zelaya of Albuquerque, NM; daughter-in-law, Debbie Wetzel of Louisville, KY; twenty one grandchildren and seven great grandchildren; siblings: Theresa Anderson of FL, Sara Knepfle of OH, John Wetzel of FL, Leo Wetzel of FL, Bernadette Hunneman of OH, and Angela Breen of OH; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
David was preceded in death by his parents, son, David P. Wetzel, Jr., infant son, Matthew Wetzel, two grandchildren, three brothers and one sister.
The family will receive friends on Monday, October 15, 2012 from 5 to 8 pm in the Moran & Goebel Funeral Home; 2801 N. Monroe St., Decatur; vigil prayer service will be at 4:30. Mass of Christian Burial will be 2 pm Tuesday, October 16, 2012 at St. James Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Graceland Cemetery with military rites conducted by the Macon County Honor Guard concluding with the "Flight Home" ceremony. In lieu of flowers, memorials gifts may be made to David P. and/or Eileen Ann Wetzel Scholarship Fund at Richland Community College.
The family of David P. Wetzel is being served by the Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Avenue, Decatur, IL 62526. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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