Patrick Wetzel

1994 - 2016

Patrick Wetzel obituary, 1994-2016, Skokie, IL

Patrick Wetzel

1994 - 2016

BORN

1994

DIED

2016

Patrick Wetzel Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 10, 2016.
Wetzel, Patrick Mark Age 21 of Winnetka, IL, passed away on January 3, 2016 as a result of a canoeing accident in Wisconsin. Pat was first and foremost loyal to his family and friends. His deep friendships developed early in his life through sports and outdoor activities. When Pat was 17, he participated in a service trip to Cambodia where he helped build a school. The program, Caring for Cambodia, ignited a love for both adventure and service. Pat followed this service with two Habitat for Humanity trips in Guatemala and planned to return to Central America after graduation. He was currently a senior at the University of Colorado Boulder, where he discovered his love for skiing and hiking in the mountains. Pat is remembered by his family as a gentle and caring brother and son. An avid pet lover, he adored his miniature schnauzer, Sammy, and often threatened to bring home a new puppy. Patrick is survived by his parents, Mark and Colette. He was also a loving brother to Megan, Alex, Elizabeth and brother-in-law Michael Slovitt. He will be missed by his grandparents, Ann Wetzel and Norman Dyer, his aunts and uncles and many cousins. The Wetzel family gives special thanks to Walworth County Sheriff's Office, its dive team and the Chief of Police of East Troy for the many hours they worked to bring Pat home. Visitation Monday, January 11, 2016, 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Donnellan Family Funeral Home, 10045 Skokie Blvd. at Old Orchard Rd. Skokie, IL 60077. Funeral Mass Tuesday, January 12, 2016, 10:00 a.m. at Saints Faith Hope & Charity Church 191 Linden Street, Winnetka, IL 60093. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Patrick's name to Bruce's Legacy, www.bruceslegacy.com, a Wisconsin based volunteer organization providing emergency assistance and search and recovery operations for drowned victims. The family will release additional details for building "Pat's House" through Habitat for Humanity in the near future. Info: www.donnellanfuneral.com or (847) 675-1990



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January 1, 2024

Suzanne Leech posted to the memorial.

January 23, 2016

Rose Berger posted to the memorial.

January 13, 2016

Jim Harbison posted to the memorial.

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.

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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Donnellan Family Funeral Services

10045 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, IL 60077

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January 1, 2024

Suzanne Leech posted to the memorial.

January 23, 2016

Rose Berger posted to the memorial.

January 13, 2016

Jim Harbison posted to the memorial.