Walter John Wetzel

W. John Wetzel, 84, passed away on December 4, 2020. Born in Evansville, Indiana on October 31, 1936, John was a graduate of Bosse High School and Indiana University where he majored in business administration and was a member of Sigma Nu. One of his first jobs was as a magician, performing under the stage name of Wizard Wetzel. John worked with his father at Lamasco Transfer Company and assumed leadership of the family business. He also was active in the community, especially with Evansville Jaycee where he served as president. John was an avid card player, a formidable opponent at poker and gin rummy. Family and friends remember John as being a kind and resilient man with a quick-witted sense of humor.

In addition to his parents, Walter Jacob and Margaret Karges Wetzel, John was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Wetzel; his son, John Stephen Wetzel; and his granddaughter, Kathryn Elizabeth Currier. Surviving family members include his wife of 62 years, Susan Wetzel; his two daughters, Elizabeth (Libby) W. Currier (David) and Eleanor Karges Wetzel-Haley (Kevin); grandchildren David “Clark” Currier and John Stephen Currier; and his sister, Joann Schwentker.

The family thanks the staff at North River, where he was a resident the past few years, for the care and love they showed John as well as the nurses at the Deaconess COVID-19 Unit for their compassionate care during his last days.

At John’s request there will be no visitation or service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to his church, Bethel United Church of Christ, 3029 North Green River Road, Evansville, IN 47715 or the Parkinson’s Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Ste. 1509, New York, NY 10018. Condolences may be offered online at AlexanderNorthChapel.com.