John F. Wetzstein

John Frank Wetzstein Sr., a decorated military veteran and beloved father, grandfather, and loyal friend, died September 11, 2024, after a long illness. He had celebrated his 98th birthday on June 30 with many of his children, grandchildren and extended family.
John was born in Mandan, North Dakota, in 1926. He was one of seven children born to Frank and Katherine (Frank) Wetzstein. John was predeceased by his six siblings, Minnie, Adam, Emma, Frank, George and Virginia. John reported for duty in the U.S. Army after his 18th birthday in 1944. In 1945, he saved the life of a squad member in Germany and was honored with a Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and Silver Star for Valor in Action. When John returned home to West Fargo, North Dakota, he met and married Ethel Joann Perlenfein on August 30, 1948.
The couple had ten children: John Wetzstein Jr., Cary (Roberta), Michael (Virginia), Douglas (Cheryl), David (Sandra), Randy (Kathy), Timothy, Joni (Randy) Eisenbart, and Joel. Daughter Julie Wetzstein (Doug) Larson predeceased John, leaving a son, Brian Larson. The family attended the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in West Fargo. John worked at the local stockyards and hauled grain and livestock as a commercial truck driver. For a time, he had his own trucking business. In 1971, John, Ethel, and the school-age children left West Fargo for Bemidji, Minnesota, and then to Parsons, Kansas. There, John worked in the Parsons ammo factory as a carpenter and also as a beverage delivery driver. In September 1982, after 34 years of marriage, Ethel passed away of cancer at age 53.
On October 5, 1987, John married Dorothy Sawyer, a widow and mother of three children (Pam, Richard and Janette), that he met in Parsons. They were married 36 years and enjoyed country-western line dancing and traveling to see their large, extended family. John loved to mow his large property on Ness Road, do woodworking projects with Dorothy, and sit with her on their porch. John was an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 704 in Parsons. He participated in many military funerals as part of the VFW Honor Guard that offered the 21-gun salute. John was known for his Service to others, kindness and cheerful nature, generous service to others, patriotism, and his loyalty to St. Patrick Catholic Church in Parsons. Even in his last years, when he battled cancer and the effects of a stroke, John would greet each morning by saying, "God has given us another beautiful day."
John leaves behind Dorothy, 97, his 9 children and 3 step-children, more than 100 grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in their combined families. John will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to his country, his integrity, and his deep love for his family. His legacy of service and dedication will continue to inspire all who knew him.
Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, October 12, 2024, at the Carson-Wall Funeral Home with Father Nick Jurgensmeyer officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Brown-Bishop Post No. 704 VFW. The rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m., Friday, October 11, 2024, at the funeral home with the family receiving friends following the rosary. Memorials are suggested to the Brown-Bishop Post No. 704 VFW, and these may be left at or mailed to the funeral home 112 N. 26th St., P.O. Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357. Online condolences may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com.