Obituary of Darrell Eugene Wetzel
Darrell Eugene “Pete” Wetzel, age 88, of Joliet, passed away peacefully, Thursday, March 31, 2022 at home, with his loving family by his side.
He was born in Rochelle, IL, on January 3, 1934, the son of the late George and Bessie (nee Haire) Wetzel. Pete graduated from Ashton High School with the Class of 1951. He was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, attaining the rank of Captain. He graduated from Bradley University with a Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Arts in 1956, where he was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity. Pete worked in telecommunications as a Manager of Field Service and Installations at AT&T (formerly SBC, Ameritech, and Illinois Bell).
Pete had a passion for cars and loved watching car races, and was also interested in investing. He also enjoyed being a member of the Kiwanis Club. Darrell was an avid bridge player, and served as the Director of the Will County Senior Citizens Bridge Group at Inwood for many years.
Pete is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Barbara (nee Rodosky) Wetzel of Joliet; daughters, Pam Wetzel, and Paula (Greg) Olin, both of Joliet, and Peggy (Mike) Hodge of Peoria, Arizona; grandchildren, Michael (Goda) Olin, Steven Olin, Megan (Kyle) Hudson, Lindsey (Matt) Bartlett, Sarah Olin and Eric (Lauren) Hodge; and great-grandchildren, Lilly Bartlett, Merrick Bartlett, Olive Olin, Willow Olin, and Madeline Hudson
He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Lois Henert; brother, Harold Wetzel; brother-in-law, Donald Henert; and sister-in-law, Esther Wetzel.
A Memorial gathering for Darrell Wetzel will be held Wednesday, April 6, 2022 from 10:00 a.m., until the time of his Memorial Service at 12:30 p.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, Joliet. Cremation rites have been accorded and interment will be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to Lightways Hospice, 250 Water Stone circle, Joliet, IL 60431 (www.lightways.org) would be appreciated.
For more information please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence
