Robert James Wetzel II

March 31, 1960 - July 22, 2025

Robert James Wetzel II, age 65, of Easley, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2025, after a courageous battle with Glioblastoma, brain cancer. Surrounded by his loving family, Robert remained strong in his faith and spirit until his final breath.

Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on March 31, 1960, Robert was the beloved son of LeeAnn (née Stuedemann) and the late Robert "Bob" Wetzel. He was the devoted husband of Linda Marie Wetzel, with whom he shared 35 years of love, commitment, and partnership.

Robert is survived by his children, Robert James Wetzel III (Allison) and Kelsey Elizabeth Harbin (Brandon), his treasured grandchildren, Eleanor Rose Wetzel, Robert James Wetzel IV, and Grace Jo Harbin; and his brothers, Stewart Wetzel and Corby Wetzel.

A gifted diesel mechanic, Robert spent his 38 year career with Ryder, where he was deeply respected for his skill, dedication, and passion for his craft. He was proud to be recognized as one of the top service technicians in the nation and held in high regard by his coworkers and peers.

Robert found joy in the simple, hands-on work that brought things to life-woodworking, hunting, fishing, building just about anything, and spending time in his garage. He was always up for a round of golf or a long road trip. He had a natural ability to fix, build, or improve anything he touched, and he did it all with care and precision.

A man of deep faith, Robert was a long-standing member of Abiding Peace Lutheran Church in Simpsonville, SC, where he worshiped and served for over 30 years. His devotion to Christ guided every aspect of his life. He led by quiet example, standing firm in his beliefs and values, and offering strength and steadiness to those who needed it most.

A celebration of Robert's life will be held at 11am, on August 30, 2025, at Abiding Peace Lutheran Church in Simpsonville, SC, with a luncheon to follow. Friends and family are invited to attend and honor a man whose hands shaped so much, and whose faith and love grounded all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Abiding Peace Academy.

Address for the service is 401 Batesville Road, Simpsonville, SC 29681.

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July 28, 2025

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Steve Price

Earlier today

Linda and family, I'm so sorry for your loss.
I worked with Robert at the Ryder Greenville location for over 15 years and new him very well, he definitely was one of the most talented diesel technicians I knew and just so smart, I relied on his knowledge a lot during my time there.
But is was really nice to spend time with him away from work, Robert and I played a lot of golf together, we looked forward to Friday's, we both got off early in the afternoons and loved going to Lakeview, even though he beat 9 times out of 10 I still enjoyed just learning from him, he taught me how to play better. He will be missed.