Richard Wetzel

Richard Wetzel, 79, Jamestown, ND died Tuesday, February 25, 2003 at Hi-Acres Manor Nursing Home. Richard was born July 22, 1923 on a farm north of Pettibone, N.D., the son of Carl and Rosina (Flemmer) Wetzel. He received his education in a small country school in the Pettibone area. He was baptized and confirmed in Petersville Township.

Richard married Clara Kahler on October 11, 1946 at Zion Lutheran Church in Petersville Township. They continued to farm north of Pettibone and he also worked parttime as a mechanic. In 1951 during the winter they lived in Jamestown, N.D., where he worked for Pontiac Motors. In 1953 they moved from Pettibone to Woodworth. He worked for Standard Oil and International Harvester. In May of 1956 they moved from Woodworth to Medina, N.D., where he worked for International Harvester until 1958 and then worked for Farmers Union Oil until 1979. He retired due to health reasons, but continued to do small engine repair.

He lived in Medina until the winter of 1998, when he resided for a short time at Sheyenne Care Center in Valley City, N.D. In the Spring of 1999 he moved to Golden Years Living Center which was later known as Exners Basic Care Center. Clara died on May 28, 1999. In the spring of 2000 Richard moved to Hi-Acres Manor in Jamestown, N.D. and served as president of the Residence Council. Richard enjoyed reading, visiting, playing cards, telling jokes, word find puzzles and wildlife.

He was a member of English Lutheran Church - Medina, N.D. He served as a Red Cross Instructor, Hunter Safety Instructor, was a volunteer for the Ambulance and Fire Department, Fort Sewart Wagon Train, Game and Fish Department, Law Enforcement, a member of the Park Board and Wildlife Club.

Richard is survived by five daughters and one son, Jeanette (Raymond) Kramlich, of Medina, N.D.; Lenora (Darold) Roemmich, of Jamestown, N.D.; Douglas (Donna) Wetzel, of Jamestown, N.D.; Elvira (Marty) Pittman, of Whitewood, S.D.; Deborah Heinle, of Medina, N.D.; Judith (Randall) Jorgenson, of Jamestown, N.D.; fifteen grandchildren; five step grandchildren; eight great grandchildren and seven step great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, a daughter Bernice, an infant daughter Rose Marie, his sister Velma Mueller and son-in-law, Lorance Wolfe.

Funeral Service: 10:00 AM - Saturday, March 1, 2003 at English Lutheran Church, Medina, ND with Rev. Robert Pestal officiating.

Prayer Service: 7:00 PM - Friday, February 28, 2003 at Eddy Funeral Chapel.

Visitation: 1:00 to 9:00 PM - Friday, February 28, 2003 at Eddy Funeral Home.

Burial: Medina Cemetery, Medina, ND.