Joseph Edward “Joe” Wetzel, 79, of Salem, WI, passed away on Friday, February 21, 2025, at Grande Prairie Health and Rehabilitation Center, surrounded by his loving family. Born on April 28, 1945, in Macomb, IL; he was the 14th child of Harry Allen and Gertrude (Carson) Wetzel. He was born and raised in Colchester, IL, and attended local schools. He earned his associate’s degree in Mortuary Science from Worsham College of Mortuary Science.Joe was a proud Vietnam Veteran, serving in the United Sates Army on the front lines until he was honorably discharged. On March 26, 1981, he married Cindy Ahrens, in their dining room at their home in Colchester, IL. He worked as a farmer on the family farm for many years, went on to become a funeral director and embalmer. Until his retirement, he was employed as a sale representative for farming and industrial equipment. He moved to Salem, WI in June of 2023. He enjoyed golfing, boating, and spending time with his wife, Cindy, and two sons. He loved Corvettes and was an avid Chicago Cubs fan. Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Cindy Wetzel of WI; two sons, Gregg Moon of WI, and Tim (Jami Damron) Wetzel of TX; three siblings, Jack Wetzel of SC; Karen Dean of IL, and Luanne (Gary) Steiner of CO. He is further survived by other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and ten siblings. Private services were held per Joe’s wishes. Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111 60th St. 262-654-3533Visit & Sign Joe’s Online Memorial Book At:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
John M. St.John
February 23, 2025
Joe and I started first grade together and were friends since that time! I just turned 80 on January 14,2025. We went to all grades together through high school! Then in 1963 the Acoustics Band was born! Amazingly Joe asked to sit down and play the drums. He was a natural from that first day! He continued to play with them until 2008 when we played our last time together at The Forum in Macomb, IL. Just ask my wife he could play “ Wipeout” better than anyone! We had so many fun times practicing and entertaining throughout this area. We both entered the military during the Viet Nam War! Although I stayed in the Army for 22 years Joe served courageously for his commitment.Whenever I returned to Colchester Joe would bring me up to date on all kinds of knowledge about our hometown! He also would call me at different places I lived to catch me up on anything he thought important that happened! Later when we retired we both rented homes on Cape San Blas Florida each winter and his barbecue pork chops became famous with all our snow bird friends! He spent his days fishing along the Gulf right in front of his house! That was almost heaven! Then our sing alongs with Cindy as the MC were such fun especially when we sang to ole Acoustics songs! We have stayed with Cindy and Joe when we visited Colchester and they stayed with us in Cape San Blas and Port St. Joe FL. Our lives were intertwined throughout the years and I am so grateful to have called him My Friend! Keep the fishing poles ready in heaven cause want to fish with you again and sing our ole songs to our Blessed Savior!
Helen Johnston
February 22, 2025
Dear Cindy and family,My deepest sympathies to you as you learn to love Joe from afar. I have many fond memories of visits with you guys when you were watching Amanda in your home (40 yrs ago) and those famous Wetzel reunions that were held every summer. I am truly grateful for his service to our country. May God bless you with sweet memories and reassurance that the good Joe did will continue to touch the lives of many. Helen (Wetzel) Johnston
Holly Thompson
February 22, 2025
Goodbye Joe, Thank you for your service to your country and your community. But thank you most of all for your kindness and friendship to Bill during a difficult time in his life. You are and will be missed. Red candle for your red roof. Holly Thompson