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Theodore Wetzel Obituary
Harry Wetzel
August 12, 1947 - November 23, 2015
Ted Wetzel died suddenly and unexpectedly at his home on Monday, November 23, 2015 at the age of 68.
Born in Klamath Falls, OR to Marie D and Harry Wetzel. Ted graduated from Grand Junction High School in 1965 and served briefly in the US Army. He married Diane in 1969 and was blessed with four children.
Radio was a passion of Ted's his entire life, starting with building his first transmitter at the age of 11. He would raid the local TV shops for used parts to build his electronic projects. He started his career in Cable TV and worked to Chief Tech/Engineer over 14 years. He then worked at GTE Satellite division as a Tracking - Telemetry & Control Technician followed by working for the Local CBS television affiliate as chief engineer, worked at the Motorola 2-way shop for a few years, and finally worked in commercial broadcasting as a chief engineer for several radio stations, supporting everything from the microphones to the transmitter. Lastly, he also took care of several Amateur Radio Repeaters.
In his retirement he enjoyed travel, the outdoors, spending time with his wife, friends, children & grandchildren, his motorcycle and 4-wheeler, shooting guns, enjoying life and then telling his stories of all of the adventures to others.
Ted loved life; exploring, tinkering, and always willing to lend a hand. He was an inspiration to us all and we have comfort knowing he is in the hands of our Lord.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Diane as well as his 3 daughters Tammi Chase and husband Michael of Oceanside, CA, Julie Wetzel-Lee of Oakley, CA and Alisa Brown and husband Zach of Craig, CO and his son Andrew Wetzel and wife Shayna of Grand Junction, in addition to seven grandchildren: Ahbree, Reilly, Kelsey, Kaitlin, Brianna, Mariona and Brason.
Services will be held at Brown Crematory and Funeral Chapel, 904 N. 7th Street, Grand Junction, CO 81501 on Saturday, Nov 28 at 2:00pm.
Should you wish to make a memorial donation in Ted's honor, the family suggests gifts be made to the American Heart Association.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Theodore Wetzel
Sponsored by Mike+Tammi Chase.
Tammi Chase
November 25, 2023
It´s impossible to believe it´s already been 8 years since you were called home. I miss you and think of you often. You´d be so proud of your incredible granddaughters and what they´ve accomplished over the years. May God hold you close.
Love you, Tammi
Tammi Chase
November 22, 2020
Thinking of you, miss you so much.
Julie Wetzel-Lee
September 2, 2020
Missing you!
Scott Mac
February 23, 2016
Wow...I know this is a late addition to the guest book, but I just found out about Ted's passing. He was the engineer at a radio station I worked at in GJ over 25 years ago. I had always wanted to get my ham license but didn't know how. Ted came along side and became my ham radio 'Elmer'. He administered my novice test, and gave me an old 10 meter radio to get me started. It seemed Ted was always there on the 146.82 repeater to answer questions or just chat. We had kept in contact even in recent years. I'll always be thankful for his enormous contribution in getting me in ham radio. My late condolences to the family. Ted's voice will be missed by many.
Russ Wright
December 3, 2015
Tammi & family - Please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. - From the Wells Fargo family.
Ed and Jan Dow
December 2, 2015
Most of you don't know me and I wasn't able to see Julie that much. I am Jason's aunt. We are so sorry for your loss. Prayers for all the family.
May 2015
Julie & Ahbree Wetzel-Lee
December 1, 2015
Dad,
I felt like a terrible mess up there trying to find the right words, but I know you weren't picky about that you were very pleased and happy that all of us were there. Family, friends all of those who were there to honor him, thank you very much it means a lot to all of us. I seen you last in May and am very thankful you and Mom made it out to see Ahbree & meet Christian it meant lot to all of us. I can't believe that was just 6 months ago & now I won't be able to keep making you proud with your eyes to see. So watch over all of us and we will all continue to keep making you proud! Will be forever missing you, & we love all love you!
Peter Buckley
November 30, 2015
Ted, You'll always be remembered as an Engineer's, Engineer for our Amateur Radio Club! Your technical skills and expertise will be greatly missed!
--Pete N0ECT
Fr. Johnny Shepherd
November 30, 2015
So sorry for Ted's Passing. I will miss Him deeply he was a good friend to me for many many years. My prayers go out to the family and friends in this most difficult time. Father Johnny Shepherd OCST KD5LWU
Mr. & Mrs. Tracy Dillingham
November 28, 2015
We just can't tell you how shocked and surprised we are of Ted's sudden passing. Last Monday, I had just been speaking with him on his ham radio repeater a few hours before he left us. He was so very excited about the coming Thanksgiving Holiday and seeing all his family there at home. He was telling me about how he had picked out a brand new HD TV and that they would be watching all the games on Turkey Day with the kids and grand kids. Having known Ted for over the past 25 years, I can tell you that his family was the most important thing to him in the world with ham radio running in second place and garage sales maybe third. He was truly a wonderful guy! A good friend who was always willing to help or lend a hand wherever he could. The world will be just a little less interesting place now without him in it. We shall miss him so! Our deepest heartfelt condolences to his wife Diane, children and grand children. May your wonderful memories of Ted sustain you and keep you. Good bye our friend! Sincerely,
Diane Sater
November 28, 2015
Tammi, I am so very sorry for the loss of your Dad. You always spoke so lovingly of him and his strong commitment to his family. Your love and admiration for him, your memories will carry you through the difficult days ahead.
Sincerely,
Diane Sater
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