By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
34 Comments
  • Visitation

    Friday, May 21, 2021

    4:00 to 8:00 pm

    Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL

     

  • Service

    Saturday, May 22, 2021

    9:00 am

    St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL

  • Full Obituary

    Michael V. “Mike” Wetzel, 58, of Highland, IL, entered into rest on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at St. Mary’s Hospital, Clayton, MO, from complications of COVID-19.

    Mike was born March 10, 1963 in Alton, IL.  He was blessed to have parents John and Lillian (nee Gregory) Wetzel.  On September 8, 1995, he married Brenda L. Pogue at Highland Community Church, Highland, IL.

    He was a member of the Highland Moose Lodge #2479, the Highland Sportsman’s Club, The Highland Band Parents Association, Highland Knights of Columbus Council #1580, and the Illinois Motorheads Motorcycle Club.

    Mike graduated from St. Paul Catholic High School in Highland, IL in 1981 and later went on to graduate from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering.  He worked for KMK Metal Fabricators, Inc. for 20 years.

    Mike harbored a love of music, especially through classic rock and guitars.  He extended that love, helping the Highland Marching Band, when his children were involved.  He loved motorcycles and riding, hunting, Hockey and western movies.  Mike never new a stranger and was a friend to all; never failing to make someone laugh.  A fun-loving and selfless spirit, taken too soon, Mike lived for his family and friends.

    Mike was preceded in death by his parents, John and Lillian Wetzel.

    He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Brenda Wetzel, Highland, IL; children, Brett Wetzel, Highland, IL, Tanner Wetzel, Highland, IL, BayLee Wetzel, Highland, IL, Shannon (Jason) Cooper, Alhambra, IL; grandchildren, Evan and Noah; siblings, MaryJo Bielong, Greenville, IL, John G. “Jack” (Catherine) Wetzel, Dallas, TX, Gerard M. “Jerry” Wetzel, Gainesville, FL; nieces and nephews, Bridget (Justin) Dressel, Michael Dressel, Cate Wetzel, and John Wetzel.

    Memorials may be made to Autism Speaks, Down Syndrome Association or Highland Band Parents Association.

    Visitation: Friday, May 21, 2021, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL.

    Mass of Christian Burial: Saturday, May 22, 2021, 9:00 am, St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL.

    Clergy: Fr. Pat Jakel, Pastor

    Interment: St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery

    Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL

Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

34 Condolences
 
  1. Daniel Hogan / May 13, 2021 at 7:06 pm

    Our condolences to the Wetzel family
    Dan & Mary Rose Hogan

  2. Cathy Huelsmann / May 13, 2021 at 7:23 pm

    Brenda & Family,

    Sorry for your lost….we just found out from DT. We know that Mike is in a better place where he can ride his Harley all over creation. Need anything, please let us know.

    Larry & Cathy

  3. Steve Chasteen / May 14, 2021 at 12:15 am

    Mike will be missed by all who knew him. He was a great friend for many years.

  4. Maggie Jakel / May 14, 2021 at 9:55 am

    Brenda, so very sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family! Carl & Maggie Jakel

  5. Tonya Taylor / May 14, 2021 at 12:16 pm

    Brenda,
    Kevin and I were so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. We are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Hugs to all of you, he will be greatly missed. Kevin Kennedy and Tonya Taylor

  6. Mike Ruhland / May 14, 2021 at 12:35 pm

    Brenda and family and Jack, Mary Jo, and Jerry, I was heart broken to learn that Mike had passed away. My memories of him go back to when you were all kids, but Jerry and Michael – the most fun little boys! Running through the grass when we “played” whiffle ball (following the rules, for sure!) at the house on the lake when we all came for a holiday.

  7. Barb Thomas / May 14, 2021 at 4:23 pm

    Brenda and family, Mary Jo and family, Jack and family, Jerry. I’m truly saddened to hear about Mike. He loved his family and his community. Loved his smile. Lived an abundant life, now passing to more life, everlasting. I pray for comfort for you all to navigate through this overwhelming grief.

  8. Carol Zimmerman / May 14, 2021 at 6:18 pm

    My deepest condolences to the Wetzel family, he will be forever missed, so sad, so sorry

  9. diana rogers / May 15, 2021 at 5:47 am

    So very sorry for your loss.

  10. Mark Edward Schilli / May 15, 2021 at 7:23 am

    Wetzel Family – I am so sorry for the loss of Mike. I grew up with Mike and Jerry down the street from their home in Highland. I would hang out with Mike and his family over the years ice skating on lakeland terrace lake, going swimming at our community pool and other stuff. My condolences to Brenda, his kids, Jerry, Mary Jo and Jack. May God Bless the Wetzel Family. Mark Schilli and Family (Austin, TX).

  11. Cathy Hackman / May 15, 2021 at 8:29 am

    Brenda, Brett, Tanner, Bay Lee, Mary Jo and family, Jack and family and Jerry. I am truly sorry for Mike’s passing. He was a good and honorable man. Devoted to his family and friends. Praying the Holy Spirit’s healing love is poured over you and comforts you.

  12. Todd Geismann / May 15, 2021 at 8:47 pm

    Hi, my name is Todd Geismann. I moved away from Highland IL after HS… as such I haven’t seen Mike since. Mike and I grew up 7 houses away. Mike was 2 yrs older than me. We skated and played hockey when Lakeland pond frooze over and played football, BB, and baseball in the neighborhood.

    Mike was always nice, thoughtful, and supportive to me as a youngster. I’m confident he shared those qualities with 1000s of others over the years. My prayers and thoughts go to the Wetzel family. God Speed.

  13. Marty Caulfield / May 15, 2021 at 10:05 pm

    Wetzel Family,

    I am so sorry for the loss of Mike.

    When Jack and I were in college, I spent an Easter weekend with the Wetzels. I have fond memories of Mike, his parents and siblings. I only can imagine Mike kept the fond memories coming with yet another Wetzel generation.

    You are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Marty Caulfield

  14. Wes Holzinger / May 16, 2021 at 9:13 am

    To the Wetzel family,

    Saddened to hear about the passing of MIke. My sincerest condolences to the whole family and all of his close friends. I would sometimes run into Mike, usually at a motorcycle event, and he would always flash a smile and say “hey how’s it going Wes?” And then we might have a brief chat. Another good guy gone way too soon.

  15. Mary beth Broughton / May 16, 2021 at 10:58 am

    Am so very sorry for your loss. Thoughts prayers and love hugs coming to everyone

  16. Bill Napper / May 16, 2021 at 3:28 pm

    He was a great guy! I am shocked and sadden to hear of his passing. We are sending our prayers to your family. He was always so nice to everyone!

  17. Karen Huelsmann / May 17, 2021 at 8:26 am

    We are so sorry for your loss. Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs for you and your family through this difficult time.

  18. Diane Lohman / May 17, 2021 at 4:02 pm

    MaryJo, so sorry to hear of your brothers passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
    Diane (Kampwerth) Lohman

  19. Dave & Faith Tanner / May 17, 2021 at 8:14 pm

    Brenda & Family,

    Extremely sorry to hear about Wetzel. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

  20. Linda & Steve Heimsath / May 17, 2021 at 8:21 pm

    So sorry to hear of your loss.

  21. Danny and Mary (Luber) Gross / May 18, 2021 at 7:15 am

    Danny and I send our sincere sympathies and offer our prayers for your peace of mind and Mike’s quick trip to heaven. I went to school with Jack, big bro Charles with MaryJo, and little bro Tim with Jerry. God bless you at this sad time.

  22. Mike & Ann Black / May 18, 2021 at 7:07 pm

    Brenda and family, We are so very sorry to hear of Mikes passing. Please let us know if you need anything. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  23. Nathaniel Hoerchler / May 19, 2021 at 8:51 am

    Proverbs 17:17 “A true friend shows love at all times And is a brother who is born for times of distress.”
    I am so sorry for your family’s loss. It was a pleasure working with him for the past 5yrs, always helping those that asked. I didn’t know him in everyday life but it seemed he had the same spirit of sacrifice that he did here. May those closest to you be there for you and your faith be of comfort to you. He will be greatly missed.

  24. Donna Stoff / May 19, 2021 at 3:28 pm

    Brenda and Family, Jack, Mary Jo and Jerry My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I will be with you in spirit during Mike’s Mass of Christian Burial on this Saturday. Prayers always Donna Stoff

  25. Colleen H. Geismann / May 19, 2021 at 9:37 pm

    Brenda and the Wetzel family, We are so very sorry to hear of the passing of Mike.
    He grew up down the street from us on Dolphin Drive and went to school with our
    children. Mike was frequently in our yard playing soccer, basketball, and ice skating on the lake in the winter. He was always welcome as he was always pleasant, friendly and very polite when he would be in our home.
    We will keep you and the Wetzel family in our prayers .
    John and Colleen Geismann

  26. Del Luber / May 20, 2021 at 7:24 am

    Nothing but fond memories of those years that the Wetzel and the Luber family were neighbors.
    So very sorry for your loss.

  27. Pinto / May 20, 2021 at 9:34 am

    Wetzel family, so sorry for your loss. Mike, you will be missed by all your Illinois Motorhead brothers and others.
    Love ya bro….Pinto

  28. Dr. Rita Whitaker / May 20, 2021 at 2:53 pm

    To the Wetzel Family – I am so sorry for your loss. You have my sincere condolences, and I will keep you all in .ymy prayers. May God Bless You and Keep You during this time and the day to come.
    To Jerry Wetzel – I am thinking of you and continued prayers for during this time.

  29. John Timmermann / May 20, 2021 at 5:16 pm

    Brenda and children, Jack, MaryJo and Jerry you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I would always catch up a little with Mike at the Kirchenfest beer stand each Saturday. Night. He was always a great guy and had a great attitude. He will certainly be missed by many people.

  30. Heidi Galvin / May 20, 2021 at 6:36 pm

    Jerry, I’m so sorry to hear about your brother. I’m praying for you for peace and comfort at this time. Love you sweet friend💜

  31. John Timmermann / May 20, 2021 at 7:13 pm

    Brenda and Children, Jack, Maryjo and Jerry my condolences to your entire family. I would always catch up with Mike on Kirchenfest Saturday as he worked the same spot in the Beer Stand. Would always get an update on Jerry and would get an update on his life. Always cheerful and I smile on his face. Mike will be missed by many people.

  32. Mary Jean / May 21, 2021 at 12:38 pm

    Brenda, Brett, Tanner, Baylee, Mary Jo, Jack, Jerry and whole family. My heart was saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. I have fond memories from family reunions and growing up in Wetzel Family. May Jesus dry all your weeping tears and comfort your brokenness during this time of grief. No doubt Mike has already been welcomed into Eternity and we will see him again. Peace and much love, Mary Jean Dillender (nee Ruhland)

  33. Deb Wiess / May 21, 2021 at 8:28 pm

    Wetzel family we lived across the street from the Wetzels on Dolphin Dr in Lakeland Terrace my sister Diana watched Maryjo, Jack Michael and Jerry and the kids were younger than we were but we still played with them.
    So sorry for the loss of Mike.

  34. Mary Kay Durbin / May 22, 2021 at 9:04 am

    Brenda and children and Wetzel siblings and families- please accept our thoughts and prayers for your loss of Mike. My family, Rita and Ed Daniel, go way back with the Wetzels as a Dolphin Drive residence (other side of the lake), church, and good friends of Lil and John. I so remember Mike when he was a little guy. I also remember his friendliness when I saw him at church as adults. A great loss for all. Mary Kay and Michael Durbin

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