Ervin Wetzel

Ervin Wetzel, 73, Fargo, ND died Monday, February 24, 2003 at the VA Hospital in Fargo, North Dakota. Ervin was born November 14, 1929 near the village of Danzig, North Dakota, the son of Jacob and Lydia (Janke) Wetzel. He grew up on the family farm in the Ashley, ND area and attended country school. Ervin married Olga Fischer in 1953 to which four children were born. He entered the U.S. Army on May 26, 1954 in Fargo, ND. His most significant duty assignment was at Beale Air Force Base in California. Ervin also served a tour of duty in the Alaskan theatre before being discharged on February 21, 1956 at Beale Air Force Base in California. He worked in the carpentry trade and became a master carpenter in California. Ervin returned to North Dakota in 1994 and lived in Ellendale until entering the Lisbon Veterans Home in 1999.

He enjoyed music and playing his guitar, which was a favorite pasttime all his life, and was an avid reader.

He is survived by three daughters, Kathy Mendosa, Mary Mosser, Debbie Fries, one son, Mark Wetzel, all of California; seven brothers, Reuben (Blanch) Wetzel, Bismarck, ND; Clarence Wetzel, Bismarck, ND; Elmer Wetzel, Bismarck, ND; Raymond (Edna) Wetzel, Bismarck, ND; Orville (Betty) Wetzel, Burnsville, MN; Wilbert (Pat) Wetzel, Rosmond, CA; Arthur (Geneva) Wetzel of New Brighton, MN; two sisters, Ruth Saylor, Aberdeen, SD; Olive Bittner, Laurel, MT; 9 grandchldren; 1 great grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Harold, Emil and Walwin.

Funeral Service: 10:30 AM - Friday, February 28, 2003 at Eddy Funeral Chapel, Jamestown with Rev. Donald C. Crippen officiating.

Visitation: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM - Thursday, February 27, 2003 at Eddy Funeral Home.

Burial: Lehr Cemetery, Lehr, North Dakota.