Obituary for Barbara A. Wetzel
Barbara A. Wetzel, age 87 of Shawano, passed away peacefully on Friday evening, March 17, 2023, at Evergreen Care Center in Shawano where she had been a resident for the past month.
Barbara was born in Elkins, West Virginia on October 19, 1935, a daughter of the late Clarence and Tressie (Cutright) Hockenberry. She graduated from Buckhannon Upshur High School and later attended West Virginia Wesleyan College. Barbara was employed with the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the Motorola Company as a secretary, buyer, and bookkeeper for many years. On November 17, 1961, she was united in marriage to Harvey Wetzel in Hempstead, Long Island, NY. The couple traveled extensively with Harvey’s job, and lived in Arizona, Texas, California, New Jersey, and New York. They also lived abroad for several years, living throughout Europe, Korea, and Australia where they resided for seven years.
When they retired in 1990, she and Harvey moved to Shawano and lived in the home where Harvey was born. Harvey preceded her in death on December 20, 2012. Barbara was active at the Church on the Hill in Shawano. She was a member of the Shawano VFW Auxiliary and the Shawano Area Veterans Auxiliary. She bowled for many years, enjoyed her flower gardens, playing cards with family and friends, and Marvel movies. Barbara also loved watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune every night, and spending time with her friends and family, especially Candy Gipe and Barb Parrot.
Survivors include her stepson, Craig (Lisa) Wetzel of Las Vegas, NV; several cousins; and many friends. She was preceded in death by her brother and sister-in-law Willard (Billie Rae) Hockenberry.
A graveside service for Barbara will be held on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at 10:00 am at Woodlawn Cemetery in Shawano. Rev. Daniel Kim will officiate. Friends may gather at the cemetery at 9:45 am.
In lieu of flowers and plants, memorials are preferred to the Church on the Hill or SAM25 in Barbara’s name.
“The family would like to thank Evergreen Health Services, Theda Care Hospice, and the many staff who took such good care of Barbara the past few months. She enjoyed your visits and extremely appreciated your kindness.”
Barbara was born in Elkins, West Virginia on October 19, 1935, a daughter of the late Clarence and Tressie (Cutright) Hockenberry. She graduated from Buckhannon Upshur High School and later attended West Virginia Wesleyan College. Barbara was employed with the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the Motorola Company as a secretary, buyer, and bookkeeper for many years. On November 17, 1961, she was united in marriage to Harvey Wetzel in Hempstead, Long Island, NY. The couple traveled extensively with Harvey’s job, and lived in Arizona, Texas, California, New Jersey, and New York. They also lived abroad for several years, living throughout Europe, Korea, and Australia where they resided for seven years.
When they retired in 1990, she and Harvey moved to Shawano and lived in the home where Harvey was born. Harvey preceded her in death on December 20, 2012. Barbara was active at the Church on the Hill in Shawano. She was a member of the Shawano VFW Auxiliary and the Shawano Area Veterans Auxiliary. She bowled for many years, enjoyed her flower gardens, playing cards with family and friends, and Marvel movies. Barbara also loved watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune every night, and spending time with her friends and family, especially Candy Gipe and Barb Parrot.
Survivors include her stepson, Craig (Lisa) Wetzel of Las Vegas, NV; several cousins; and many friends. She was preceded in death by her brother and sister-in-law Willard (Billie Rae) Hockenberry.
A graveside service for Barbara will be held on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at 10:00 am at Woodlawn Cemetery in Shawano. Rev. Daniel Kim will officiate. Friends may gather at the cemetery at 9:45 am.
In lieu of flowers and plants, memorials are preferred to the Church on the Hill or SAM25 in Barbara’s name.
“The family would like to thank Evergreen Health Services, Theda Care Hospice, and the many staff who took such good care of Barbara the past few months. She enjoyed your visits and extremely appreciated your kindness.”