Nicholas Bain Wetzel

Nicholas Bain Wetzel passed away on February 14, 2026, at the VA Medical Center Hospice Cottages in Sioux Falls, SD. Interment and services will be private.

He was born at home on January 9, 1941, in Moweaqua, IL to Zanta "Bain" and Dorothy (Sanders) Wetzel, the youngest of six and the only boy. Nick graduated from Tower Hill High in Illinois in 1959 and then attended LeTourneau College pursuing a degree in Mechanical Science. Nick honorably served in the Navy on the USS Triton nuclear submarine. His nuclear experience brought him to Cedar Rapids where he worked at Duane Arnold Energy Center in Palo for ten years. He then returned to the sea, working as an engineer on oil tankers for Sabine Towing for 15 years and then 15 years as Chief Engineer for Ameristar Casinos.

Nick loved all things mechanical and spent many happy hours in his shop working on his latest salvage title vehicle listening to country music while the wood stove "Smokey Joe" kept the garage warm. He loved to work with his hands and loved teaching others how to do the same. Nick was a lifelong learner especially interested in science, new discoveries and how things worked. He loved explaining how things worked to others, usually accompanied by a stack of pictures of engines about 5 inches tall. He held a deep belief in reincarnation and loved to share his beliefs with others, even when they didn't want to hear it. Most of all, Nick loved to tell stories. He always had a funny story or a joke to share. He loved to laugh and to make others laugh. At any gathering, you wanted to be near him, because that was where the fun was happening. He loved his neighbors and often spoke of how grateful he was for them. He loved his extended family and attending Wetzel family reunions to hear and share all of the news. He loved his kids, always, no matter what.

Nick is survived by his children, Ben Wetzel, Sarah Thompson and Seth Wetzel; grandchildren, Hannah (Drew) Johnson, Rhett (Caitlyn) Thompson, Sarai, Willow and Christopher Wetzel, his first wife Judith Wetzel and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 35 years Bonnie Wetzel, his parents and his sisters Dorothy Buck, Susan Grasso, Margaret Wetzel, Martha Beard and Laura Wetzel.