Harold Wetzel

Harold O. Wetzel, 93, passed away Friday, Feb. 24, 2017, near his home in DeForest, Wisconsin. Harold was born in 1923 to Albert and Edna Wetzel in Plymouth, Wisconsin. He graduated from Plymouth High School in 1942 and he often talked about his fond memories of growing up in Plymouth. Harold was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, where he served in an artillery division in Europe during the Second World War. Harold married Jean Ellen Yeakey on Oct. 1, 1955, at First Congregational Church in Appleton. Harold worked for the F.W. Means Company in Appleton. Jean and Harold raised their daughter, Deena, in Menasha. Upon retirement, Harold and Jean enjoyed traveling and spent several years living in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Harold is survived by his daughter, Deena Wetzel (John Pribek), of Windsor, Wisconsin; a brother-in-law, James Yeakey, of Shawano; nieces Shirley, Barbara and Leigh Ann and nephews Matthew and Joel; and many dear friends, including Ed Borski of Menasha and Shirley Stevens of Appleton. Harold was preceded in death by his wife, Jean, parents, older siblings Clarence and Myrtle, brother-in-law Harry Schaap, and sister-in-law Janice Yeakey.

Harold was a devoted and loving husband and father, as well as a loyal and conscientious friend to many. He valued the small but beautiful moments that make life worth living: a fine meal with family and friends; a contemplative and humorous conversation; and, of course, a resounding Packers victory. He liked nothing better than quality lap time with his dachshund Schnapps and with his daughter's dachshund, Otto. He was a skilled wood carver and enjoyed fishing with his daughter and son-in-law. He could catch bass in his sleep (literally, at times). Harold liked hearing other people talk about themselves and their experiences: He was always fascinated by people's stories and knew how to tell a captivating story himself.

Harold greatly appreciated the Badger Honor Flight he took in May 2012. In his life, Harold displayed all the admirable qualities of his generation: responsibility; care for the less fortunate; a noble stoicism; and love that showed itself in deeds, not words. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Harold received first-rate care from the Veterans Administration hospital in Madison and his family is very thankful for all the assistance Harold received from the VA during the last few years of his life.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 16, at the funeral home chapel. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday morning from 10 a.m. until the hour of the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to the Plymouth, Wisconsin VFW Post 5612 or the Take a Vet Fishing organization.