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1994 - 2016
1994 - 2016
Obituary
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Suzanne Leech
January 1, 2024
Thinking of Pat and the Wetzel family, 8 years after the tragic accident. I, and your many friends, still grieve your loss but admire your courage and resolve to live your lives, with Patrick in your heart. Know that we are with you on this journey
Rose Berger
January 23, 2016
Mark, Colette & family,
We're on the road in Texas, but my mind has been on the heavy snow out East. So with fond memories of the Wetzel family sledding on the hill behind our house, I googled your names. Seeing Patrick's name & the story took my breath away. I am so saddened by your loss. I remember when he was born & babysitting for him a few times, always seeing that winning smile & blonde hair. Gene, Chris & I extend our deepest condolences.
Jim Harbison
January 13, 2016
To the Wetzel family, with my deepest sympathy.
Allison Gilmore
January 12, 2016
I have fond memories of Pat from working together. He loved being outdoors, and he was always up for a spontaneous camping trip. His free spirit and appreciation for the outdoors is something I always admired about him.
To the family and friends of Pat, I am very sorry for your loss. He was very well liked by everyone who ever met him. God bless.
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Sara Langsam
January 12, 2016
I am very lucky to have met Pat. One day my best friend Kelly wouldn't stop talking about this boy Wetzel. I figured if he owned wetzels pretzels we would be set and never hungry again. Little did I know Patrick changed my life, Kelly's life, and hundreds of other people's. He lit up a room like I've never seen before. He meant so much to so many people and those memories will live on forever. I am so sorry for your family's loss. I can only imagine what your going through. Just know we are all thinking of your family constantly.
January 12, 2016
I am so sorry for your unexpected loss. Please accept my sincere sympathy. Find comfort in the God of comfort who has the ability to comfort all at times like this.
Katie Bryan
January 11, 2016
Liz and the entire Wetzel family,
What a beautiful obituary. Your brother sounds like an amazing man, son, brother, and friend. My continued thoughts are with your entire family. My heart breaks for you - please let me know if you need anything.
The Killeens
January 11, 2016
Dear Alex and the Wetzel Family,
We are saddened to hear the news about the tragic and untimely death of your brother and son, Pat. He accomplished so much during his short time on earth. We know he is in His good hands now. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers and we look forward to continuing his legacy through Pat's house. With love, The Killeens
Mark Frey
January 11, 2016
Sending you strength and healing during this difficult time.
Dave & Donna Christy
January 11, 2016
Dear Mark & Colette, Our hearts and prayers go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Jada Spriggs
January 11, 2016
Dear Mark & Colette, I am deeply saddened to hear of Patrick's death. Nothing can compare to the loss of child and nothing can compare to a child's love. May you and your family find peace and comfort in the memory of Pat, his love for family, friends and his love for life and giving back. My condolences to the entire Wetzel family.
Charlotte Sanders
January 11, 2016
Please know that your Augusta team is praying for your family. We love you - Charlotte Sanders
January 11, 2016
Dear Mark and Colette,
I was deeply saddened to learn of Pat's passing, as well as his three friends. I have pleasant memories of assisting Pat with his college process, and remember his excitement when he shared the news of his decision to attend the University of Colorado.
God's blessings to you and your family during this most difficult time. May you receive comfort and strength from family and friends.
Mary Frances Bryja
Former Director of College Counseling
Bullis School
Potomac, MD
Mary Renkey
January 11, 2016
Colette and Mark,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May your memories bring you comfort.
Zuard, Mary, Emily and Sarah
Jon & Susan Berusch
January 11, 2016
Wetzel was like a brother to our daughter Alexis Berusch and a loyal best friend to Robbie (all 3 attended Boulder). We just watched Pat play ice hockey when we visited campus and we cheered loudly when he had the puck.
We feel incredible sadness for your family, the many friends in Pat's life, and of course, for Pat's extraordinary life that was cut short. We are sure the boys did everything they could to save each other and were true heroes as this tragic event unfolded.
Our thoughts and prayers continue for you and yours.
January 11, 2016
Mark and Colette,
You have been in our family's prayers all week. May God give you comfort and strength.
Alicia and Paul Mang
JENNIFER KEANE
January 10, 2016
To the entire Wetzel family,
We are so sorry to hear of Pat's passing. Our deepest Condolences,Thoughts and Prayers are with you through these difficult times. God bless you and your family. We are heavy hearted.Robert,Jennifer, Scarlet, Robby, Jordan, Elizabeth,Skylor & Brandon Keane.
marilyn prodromos
January 10, 2016
Dear Colette, Mark and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
May Pat's memory be eternal.
Marilyn, Chad , Lexy and Stephany Prodromos
Leslie Spielberger
January 10, 2016
Colette and Mark,
This past week has been full of thoughts of Winnetka for me, and the boys that touched my sons lives, and the wonderful parents I met through them. Brad is very sad and shocked, as am I.
I will remember Pat from Trevian soccer, Winnetka hockey and 6th grade at Skokie School when the boys were in the same class.
I chuckle as I think about Pat whispering to Brad in the back seat of my car to tell his mom to stop calling him "Wetzel Pretzel"
I wish you strength through the days ahead...and hope our paths will someday cross again.
Leslie
January 10, 2016
Our thought and prayers are with your family and friends during this very sad time. Our sincere condolences. William & Jane Knapp of Atlanta; Eugene & Liz Hsu of Atlanta; and Will & Reagan Knapp of Christchurch, NZ.
Kathy Dumais
January 9, 2016
Dear Colette and Mark,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your beautiful family. Clearly, Pat had a deep sense of service to others, which is so important today and particularly admirable in someone so young. Habitat for Humanity was my father's favorite charity and became one of his passions. I look forward to hearing about "Pat's House." My love and prayers to you at this terrible time.
January 9, 2016
Dearest Colette and Mark,
I have not been able to stop thinking about you and your family. This is an unfathomable trajedy that is too much for any family to bear. We are so sad for you all and think so fondly upon all the wonderful times Pat and Spencer had together when we lived in Winnetka and how much we enjoyed our friendship with you both as well. If I don't see you Tuesday, I will come out soon enough to share some time with you. With love and our deepest sympathy
The Shea family
Benson-Perez Family
January 9, 2016
Dear Mark, Colette and family,
We were so saddened to hear the news of the loss of your beautiful son. You are in our thoughts and prayers daily. May God comfort you and bring you peace.
Tom & Deb Shumaker
January 9, 2016
To the entire Wetzel family,
We are so sorry to hear of Pat's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you through these difficult times. God bless you and your family.
January 9, 2016
May they all rest in peace (these four friends) and let's hope our memories help guide us as their souls are with us.
Love, Cathie Weinstein
Lorraine & Jim Cardinale
January 9, 2016
Mark, Collette & Family,
Words can't express the sadness we feel for your family with this tragic loss. Know that you did a fantastic job of raising Pat who was so unique & caring. Our deepest sympathy and ongoing prayers to all.
Lorraine & Jim Cardinale
Kay Britto
January 9, 2016
We have been praying for you ever since we fist heard the news from Therese.Please know we are with you in thoughts and love. Kay and Nelson
Denise and David Ziglinski
January 9, 2016
Mark and Collette:
We are so deeply sorry for the loss of your beautiful son. May God give you the guidance to go on as Patrick is at peace now. We are praying for you and your whole family.
Jim and Jeannie Burke
January 9, 2016
Dear Wetzels,
Our sadness for you is so deep. Our prayers will continue for you long after these events. May God keep you in his loving care.
Jill Egan
January 9, 2016
We are so terribly sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts & prayers.
xo
January 9, 2016
Mark & Collette
Our prayers have been never ending and will continue for you on this tremendous loss. Please know you are in our hearts, and we will pray for comfort and peace for your entire family, all going thru this with you.
May God keep you and your children in his care.
May Patrick be blessed and rest in peace.
Fondly, Jennifer Woolford and Family
Kelly &David Ryan/Strauss
January 8, 2016
Dear Wetzel's, our daughters' Caitlin and Casey have been friends of Liz and Michael for years now. Our sadness for your family is profound. We hope the strength of family and friends supports you through these difficult times. Our prayers are with you all.
The Ryan/Strauss Family
Dan & Judy Igo
January 8, 2016
Thoughts and prayers for you and Colette, I understand you pain in the loss of a son and will be thinking of you and your family in this sorrowful time
Lee & Christie Kestler
January 8, 2016
We are deeply saddened by your tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all you during this difficult time.
Lisa Spagnoli
January 8, 2016
My love and prayers to the entire family. I am thinking of you all and praying for peace and comfort.
Pamela Moore
January 8, 2016
Our son Will was one of Pat's roommates in Boulder and spoke of him all the time. Every time we visited Will Pat was always with us we will miss him as I know our son will. Our prayers are with his family we will always remember what a great friend he was to our son.
Ingrid Basson
January 8, 2016
Our thoughts, our prayers are with your family.
The Basson Family
Cynthia Bowers
January 8, 2016
My daughter Chrissa was a friend of your sweet boy. She speaks so highly of him.
I have prayed for your family and will continue to do so.
There are no words to express our sorrow.
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