John Frank Wetzstein Sr., a decorated military veteran and beloved father, grandfather and loyal friend, died Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, after a long illness. He had celebrated his 98th birthday on June 30 with many of his children, grandchildren and extended family.
John was born in Mandan, North Dakota, in 1926. He was one of seven children born to Frank and Katherine (Frank) Wetzstein.
John reported for duty in the U.S. Army after his 18th birthday in 1944. In 1945, he saved the life of a squad member in Germany and was honored with a Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Silver Star for Valor in Action. When John returned home to West Fargo, North Dakota, he met and married Ethel Joann Perlenfein on Aug. 30, 1948.
The couple had 10 children, John Wetzstein Jr., Cary (Roberta), Michael (Virginia), Douglas (Cheryl), David (Sandra), Randy (Kathy), Timothy, Joni (Randy) Eisenbart and Joel, a daughter, Julie Wetzstein (Doug) Larson, predeceased John, leaving a son, Brian Larson.
The family attended the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in West Fargo. John worked at the local stockyards and hauled grain and livestock as a commercial truck driver. For a time, he had his own trucking business. In 1971, John, Ethel and the school-age children left West Fargo for Bemidji, Minnesota, and then to Parsons. There, John worked in the Kansas Army Ammunition Plant as a carpenter and also as a beverage delivery driver. In September 1982, after 34 years of marriage, Ethel passed away of cancer at age 53.
On Oct. 5, 1987, John married Dorothy Sawyer, a widow and mother of three children (Pam, Richard and Janette), whom he met in Parsons. They were married 36 years and enjoyed country- western line dancing and traveling to see their large, extended family. John loved to mow his large property on Ness Road, do woodworking projects with Dorothy and sit with her on their porch. John was an active member of the Brown-Bishop Post 704, Veterans of Foreign Wars, in Parsons. He participated in many military funerals as part of the VFW Honor Guard that offered the 21-gun salute. John was known for his service to others, kindness and cheerful nature, patriotism and his loyalty to St. Patrick Catholic Church in Parsons. Even in his last years, when he battled cancer and the effects of a stroke, John would greet each morning by saying, “God has given us another beautiful day.”
John leaves behind Dorothy, 97; his nine children; three stepchildren; more than 100 grandchildren and great-grandchildren and their combined families.
John was predeceased by his six siblings, Minnie, Adam, Emma, Frank, George and Virginia.
John will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to his country, his integrity and his deep love for his family. His legacy of service and dedication will continue to inspire all who knew him.
A memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, at the Carson-Wall Funeral Home with the Rev. Nick Jurgensmeyer officiating. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Brown-Bishop Post No. 704, VFW. The rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11, at the funeral home with the family receiving friends following the rosary. The family suggests memorials to the Brown-Bishop Post No. 704, VFW, and these may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, 112 N. 26th St., P.O. Box 942, Parsons, KS, 67357.
Leave online condolences at www.wallfuneralservices.com.
