Kenneth Gary Wetzel

Kenneth Gary Wetzel, 83, of Parkesburg, passed away on Sunday, January 9, 2022 at the Chester County Hospital in West Chester, PA. He was the beloved husband of Diane Riddell Wetzel with whom he shared 61 years of marriage. Born in Shippensburg, PA, he was the son of the late Kenneth G. Wetzel and N. Mildred Newcomer Wetzel.

Gary grew up in Shippensburg and was a 1956 graduate of the Shippensburg High School. After graduation from high school, he continued his education at Shippensburg University graduating in 1960. Soon after, he was employed by the Octorara School District where he remained as a teacher for 33 years.  He also coached boys basketball for 30 years, received the Coach of the Year Award, and was inducted into the Octorara Athletic Hall of Fame.  He truly loved teaching and coaching!

Gary served his community and was a 57-year member of the Parkesburg United Methodist Church, where he served as a Trustee, Treasurer, Usher, and a member of the Church Finance and Audit Committees. He was also a member of the United Methodist Men and was on the Borough Council from 1966-1971.  Additionally, he delivered Meals on Wheels for many years.

Gary lived each day to the fullest on his own terms.  He was an avid sportsman who enjoyed hunting and believed fishing was more than just a hobby – it was a way of life.  He enjoyed being in his garden, and planned early, worked tirelessly, and shared the fruits of his labor with family and friends.  He loved the beauty of this country and believed travel was an important form of education.  He passed on his love of nature and travel to his children through camping.  Gary was always up for a card game.  He could be so competitive, that you were happy if you beat him even if you didn’t win the game.  He loved sports and when he wasn’t playing, he was watching or listening to a game. Countless people fish, garden, camp, play sports, play cards or work in business fields because they were a part of Gary’s life.

He is survived, in addition to his wife Diane, by three children; Kristin Wetzel Maser and husband Dean of Lancaster, PA, Allen Wetzel and wife Kelly of Gap, PA and Stacey Wetzel Bayley and husband Chad of Westminister, CO, seven grandchildren; Matthew and his wife Jessica, Kathlyn and Haley Maser, Cole and Macey Wetzel and Hayden and Reagan Bayley and two great-grandchildren; Cami Lynn Shaub and Annalyn Rose Wetzel.  He was preceded in death by his brother, Douglas Eugene Wetzel. He is survived by two sisters-in-law, Carol Wetzel and Sharon Clarke, and several nephews.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend who was generous with the most important thing – his time.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, May 7th, 2022 at 11 AM at Parkesburg United Methodist Church, 411 Main St, Parkesburg, PA 19365, with a visitation from 9:30 AM until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made in Gary's memory to either the Parkesburg United Methodist Church or Leukemia and Lymphoma Society by donating online by clicking HERE or through the mail by printing out a form HERE .

Please click the following link to watch a live stream of Gary's Memorial Service. Click Here

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wilde Funeral Home of Parkesburg. Online condolences can be posted at www.wildefuneralhome.com