Wendell Roscoe Wetzell

, age 78 of Stronghurst, Illinois died at 6:20 a.m. Monday March 25, 2013 in the University Of Iowa Hospital Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa. He was born June 27, 1934 in Fountain Green, Illinois, the son of Roscoe and Leona Simmons Wetzel. On June 6, 1954, he married Ann Harrell in Colchester, Illinois.

Mr. Wetzel served in the United States Navy from 1957 to 1959. He then farmed all of his life, first near Kirkwood, Illinois, and later near Stronghurst. He retired in 2001. He had served on the former Southern School Board for many years. He was a member of the Stronghurst United Methodist Church and the M.A.D. Men group of the church. He enjoyed music and family, especially his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Ann, one daughter - Gwen (Todd) Sones of Davenport, IA., one son- Dean (Kris) Wetzel of Stronghurst, three grandchildren- Abby (Jim Shumate) Sones, Jacob Wetzel and Nathan Wetzel, two sisters- Marilyn Huston of Roseville, IL., Evelyn Yard of LaHarpe, IL., one brother- Robert Wetzel of Bushnell, IL., and one sister in law - Louise Wetzel of Bloomington, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother- Bill Wetzel and one sister - Shirley Shafer.

Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Stronghurst. The funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday March 28, 2013 in the Stronghurst United Methodist Church with Pastor Steve Hartman officiating. Burial with Military Honors will be in the Stronghurst Cemetery. Memorials have been established for the Stronghurst United Methodist Church, Small World Childrens Center, and the Family Outreach Community Center of Stronghurst.