David Lee Wetzel

David Lee Wetzel, 81, died January 3, 2025, in his home. David was born July 27, 1942, in Dowagiac, Michigan to Leonard Wetzel and Vivien (Rohlfs) Wetzel.

            David attended Sumnerville grade school and Dowagiac High School and spent his early years in Sumnerville, Michigan until he entered the Navy in 1960, and spent most of his time stationed in Jacksonville, Florida.

            On May 23, 1963, David married Lorna Marie Siderits. They had 2 children: David “L” Wetzel, and Deborah Lynn (Wetzel) Kirkendall. They lived in Jacksonville until David was honorably discharged from the Navy and they returned to Niles, Michigan in 1965. Lorna preceded David in death on in August of 1983.

            David married Sandra (Stuart) Van De Genahte June 8, 1991, at their home in Granger.

            David was employed for 19 years at Hover Trucking and from 1980 - 2002 he worked for USF Holland as a truck driver until he retired. David lived in Granger from 1990 – 2001 and then moved to Mishawaka in 2001.

            David loved baseball, football, NASCAR racing and pontooning at the lake cottage. He was a die hard Bears and Cubs fan and favored Dale Earnhart Sr. and Dale Jr. in NASCAR. He was especially happy and proud when the Cubs won the World Series in 2016.

            David was a member of Teamsters Union #465. He enjoyed going with his wife, Sandra, to the Mishawaka Alumni meetings even though he didn’t attend school there.

            He was preceded in death by both his parents, his wife Lorna, his brothers Alan and Dale, and a sister, Sharon Herrman.

            David is survived by his wife Sandra; his children David L. Wetzel, and Deborah Lynn (Lance) Kirkendall; his stepchildren: Robert (Barbara) Van De Genahte, James (Christine) Van De Genahte, and Carla (Van De Genahte) Jedrzejek; his brother: Larry (Jane) and Mike; His sisters: Sally (Jerry) Van Orman and Marsha (Tom) Franch. As well as many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

            He has 10 grandchildren: Brandon Kirkendall of Buchanan, Michigan; Keegan Hood, Kullen Jedrzejek, Samantha (Tevin) Jones, Devin (Laura) Van De Genahte, Isaiah, Harmen, and Greta Van De Genahte. His first great grandchild, Penelope “Poppy” Jones was born in July of 2024.

            Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, from 4:00 – 7 :00 PM, In Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W 8th street. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday at 1:00 PM January 9, 2025, In Hahn Funeral home, with burial to follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park where the VFW360 / American Legion 161 will conduct Military Honor’s.

            The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David Lee Wetzel, please visit our floral store.