Jean E. Wetzel

Jean E.Wetzel, 82, passed away peacefully Wednesday, September 7, 2011, at her home in DeForest, Wisconsin. Jean was born June 23, 1929, to Oliver and Mildred Yeakey in West Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Her family moved to Appleton in 1944, where she graduated from Appleton West High School in 1948. She married Harold O. Wetzel on October. 1, 1955, at First Congregational Church in Appleton. Jean and Harold raised their daughter Deena in Menasha.

Jean is survived by her husband: Harold; a daughter: Deena (John Pribek) of Windsor, Wisconsin; a brother: James, of Shawano. Jean also is survived by nieces Shirley, Barbara and Leigh Ann and nephews Matthew and Joel, as well as many dear friends including Shirley Stevens and Myrtle Palmbach of Appleton.

Jean was a devoted wife, mother, sister and friend. Family and friends were her highest priority. She was once reprimanded by a veterinarian for spoiling her dachshund, Schnapps, with too much fresh gravy, but this typified her approach to life: Nothing was too good for her loved ones. She enjoyed a good martini, conversation and meals with her family and friends and worked hard to host these events. Jean rarely missed “The Young and the Restless” and “Dancing with the Stars,” and enjoyed watching her daughter and son-in-law dance, even though they will never be ready for prime time. Jean had excellent musical taste, with a particular fondness for Ol' Blue Eyes and Lyle Lovett. She also liked spending time with her daughter's dachshund, Otto. Jean's energy, smile, sense of humor and fine example will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, September 16, 2011 at the funeral home chapel. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday morning from 10:00 AM until the hour of the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to the Alzheimer's and Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin or HospiceCare Inc.

Wichmann Funeral Home
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton, WI 54911
920-739-1231