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Stephanie Wetzel Obituary
Stephanie Wetzel, 16, of Grand Island died Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Leo's Catholic Church. The Rev. Jack Rademacher will officiate. Burial of ashes will be in the Grand Island Cemetery.
Gathering of family and friends will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the church, with a parish rosary at 7. All Faiths Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Stephanie Wetzel was born Oct. 6, 1992, at Grand Island to Arthur and Janell (Meyer) Wetzel.
Survivors of the immediate family include her parents and a sister, Jennifer, of Grand Island; and grandparents, Margaret Meyer and Genevieve 'Doris' Wetzel, both of Grand Island.
Those also left to cherish her memory are an aunt, Debra Wetzel of Grand Island; an aunt and uncle, David and Ann Keeler of New Braunfels, Texas; and an uncle, Lonny Meyer of San Jose, Calif.
Her grandfathers, Arthur W. Wetzel and Herbert Meyer, preceded her in death.
Stephanie attended Trinity Lutheran Preschool, Stolley Park Elementary, and Barr Middle School and was a sophomore at Grand Island Senior High. She enjoyed playing the piano, reading and spending time with her horses. She also loved little children, baby-sitting and loved to travel.
She was a member of St. Leo's Catholic Church, where she was active with the Young Neighbors in Action Group. Her memory will be treasured by many.
There will be a memorial fund established in Stephanie's name.
Condolences may be sent to www.giallfaiths.com.
Sign the guest book at theindependent.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stephanie Wetzel
Kirsten bjorman
June 1, 2009
Jenny and Family,
I am very sorry and I know it had been some time since I have talked with you all, however I am very sorry for your loss. Your family is in my prayers as well as Steph.
Kirsten Bjorman (colfack)
Kirsten bjorman
June 1, 2009
Jenny and Family,
I am very sorry and I know it had been some time since I have talked with you all, however I am very sorry for your loss. Your family is in my prayers as well as Steph.
Kirsten Bjorman (colfack)
Elizabeth
December 26, 2008
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Sarah Scott
December 20, 2008
Art and Family~
My heart is aching for you. You have been in our family prayers every day and my son's 8th grade class prays for you as well. God is faithful and I pray that you feel His arms wrapped around you.
Sarah Stinson Scott
Paul Brill
December 19, 2008
Mr. & Mrs. Wetzel, The Bible says that is a time for mourning and this is that time. As you remember the wonderful things about Stephanie, you will most certainly laugh and cry. May God grant you peace in this time of sorrow.
Corbin Smithson
December 19, 2008
Stephanie we will all miss you. To Stephanies parents my prayers are with you. I loved Stephanie as a friend and i will always remember her. It was great knowing her for who she was and still is. God be with everyone who was close to her.
Doug Lindsey
December 14, 2008
may god be with you and your family our thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones .take care of yourselves and you are in our every prayer though we do not know you we do in our hearts...Doug Lindsey&Ann Pritchard &family..
Cody Eastman
December 11, 2008
I am deeply sorry for your loss, I to know what it is like to lose someone at a young age i had lost a very close friend when i was eight, now i have lost a cousin when she was nine, I feel that even though I did not know Stephanie I feel that a part of me has died to because she has impacted so many lives and she still does, People say when a loved one passes they are not gone for ever they are always there for you no matter what , once again i am truly sorry for your loss I know it is very hard for friends, family, and I know its going to be even harder for Jenni, Every day the sun shines just remember Stephanie is up there with god smiling down on all of you, May god bless your family, your loved ones and all of your friends.
Dawn, Shayla Peard
December 10, 2008
Art, Janell, & Jenny,
I am so sorry for your loss. Stephanie was a great girl even though i didn't know her that well. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Randy Harlow
December 10, 2008
I had the privilege of knowing Steph her entire life. She is a beautiful person and she made my life so much better. Stephanie and her little sister Jenny adopted me as their uncle early on, why I never knew. I just know I was very, very lucky. They filled my life with love and good memories. Steph loved her family dearly, and had a special close relationship with her sister. Steph was a kind and caring person who would try and help anyone that needed it. She went out of her way to be helpful. No she wasn't a saint, she didn't always do the right things, but her heart was always in the right place. She had a smile and a laugh that lit up a room. No matter how bad you were feeling you could not help feel better and smile yourself when she was smiling at you. She was very intelligent, and if you found yourself in a battle of wits with her, you had best be loaded for bear. She loved to argue, which I think she got from her dad.
Stephanie was a very pretty girl with a loving, supportive family, and extended family. She was loving, kind, caring, smart, well behaved, and for almost sixteen years, happy. The disease of depression killed this beautiful young girl before she even really had a chance for a life. It breaks my heart that I won't have a chance to talk to her or see her beautiful smile again. But I know she is in Heaven spinning, twirling, giggling and laughing like she use to as a little girl. I can live with the very deep pain of missing her, knowing that she is happy again. I think, I know, Art, Janell, and Jennifer know how special Stephanie is, I guess I'm writing this to let people who never really knew her, know just how special. God please grant the Wetzel family the serenity to accept the things they connot change, courage to change the things they can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
She will be missed.
shelly Townley(Kroeger)
December 10, 2008
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family, and I wanted to write a special prayer out to Deb Wetzel.
December 10, 2008
Before last week I knew nothing about your family. Now I am greatly moved by all the love shared on this web page. Please remember God has a plan for every one of us and he has has only revealed a small part of her plan in the 16 years of life on earth. She will have impact on so many for years to come. That indeed is part of God's plan. Keep that in mind as you grieve. Don't let anyone push you into being "done" grieving, you may never be done and that is normal. God be with you all.
Stacey Greene
December 9, 2008
Janell, Art & Jennie:
Our hearts go out to you in this very sad time. We have such wonderful memories of Stephanie. You are in our prayers.
Stacey, Aaron & Abbey
SHERYL KNUTH
December 9, 2008
ART,JANELL AND JENNY
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE SO STRONG WITH YOU AT THIS VERY TOUGH TIME. MY MIND IS ALWAYS PRAYING FOR YOUR FAMILY. STEPHANIE WAS SUCH A WONDERFUL YOUNG LADY. I REMEMBER LIKE IT WAS JUST YESTERDAY THAT HER AND JENNY CAME TO MY HOUSE FOR DAYCARE WHEN YOURS WAS ON MATERNITY LEAVE. SHE WAS ALWAYS MY MOM WITH ALL THE KIDS. SHE WOULD HAVE RATHER DONE THAT INSTEAD OF PLAYING. SHE WS SO FUNNY. SHE DEFINITELY PROTECTEDD JENNY WITH EVERYTHING THAT WENT ON. IT SEEMS LIKE WE ALL JUST HAD OUR BABIES NOT THAT LONG AGO. I MISS SEEING YOU LIKE WE ALL GOT TOGETHER. PLEASE BE STRONG WITH ALL THIS THAT IS WHAT STEPHANIE WOULD WANT. RELY ON ALL YOUR FRIENDS IF YOU NEED TO TALKE AND ESPECIALLY THE LORD. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND TRY AND FIND HAPPEINESS OUT OF ALL THIS . BE THERE FOR EACH OTHER AND NEVER KEEP IT IN. LOVE THE KNUTH FAMILY(MIKE, SHERYL,MICHAELA,TAYLOR AND BRADEN)
Carol Kreutzer
December 9, 2008
Janell, Art, Jennifer and family
We are thinking of you and praying for your strength and comfort during this difficult time in your family.
Richard and Carol Kreutzer and family
Cindy Spiehs
December 9, 2008
Art,
My heartfelt prayers are with you and your family. I'm so sorry.
Mick Borer
December 9, 2008
Janell, Art and family; We want to express our deepest sympathy to you during this very difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Mick and Judy Borer
Bonnie Slaton
December 9, 2008
Art, Janell, and Jennifer,
Please know that we are praying for peace to come into your hearts. Our hearts absolutely ache for the pain your family is enduring at this moment, but lean to our Lord to help with this burden. Keep your family and friends close for you will need them in the future. We will pray for your family everyday.
We are so sorry for your loss,
Jarrett,Bonnie Slaton and Family
Nancy Hanson
December 9, 2008
Art, Janell and Jenny,
You are in my prayers. May God give you peace during this tough time.
Nancy (Kreutzer) Hanson
Stan Schwieger
December 9, 2008
Art and family--
Please know my thoughts are with you.
Mary Lidemann Niedfelt
December 9, 2008
Art and Family,
Please know that there are alot of prayers for each and everyone of you, in hope that you find comfort with yourselves. I have had business acquaintances with Art and when you walked into his office from the time his Girls were born, to now, you could tell he was a very proud Daddy with pictures on his desk. I know that this is a hard time for all of you, I can not think of how hard it would be lose a child. Please know that Steph is in a better place and you will meet again. Keep her in your heart and may you find comfort with each other.
Our Deepest Sympathy,
Bryan, Mary Ludemann Niedfelt and Family
NILDA ZAMARRIPA & FAMILY
December 8, 2008
We are sorry to hear of your loss, please accept our deepest sympahty. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Bob Hamar
December 8, 2008
Art and family,
My deepest condolences for your loss. Words cannot make up for your loss, but know that there are so many people thinking of your family.
Denise Kraus Ryan
December 8, 2008
Hello Wetzel Family, I used to work at St. Leo's Church as Youth Minister (1999-2003) and was a friend of Deb Wetzel. Deb spoke often and at length of her neices and I know they were so important to her. Please accept my condolences at this time of loss. Peace,
Steve and Debbie Woodward
December 8, 2008
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Chris, Jeanie, Nick, Zach and Dakota Karn
December 8, 2008
Art, Janell and Jennifer,
Words can never express our sympathies for you and your family. We will always remember how well Stephanie treated Dakota and how much he loved to be with her. He was always so happy to see her and she always took such good care of him. She will always be remembered to us for that. You should be proud of her that she was a special person that treated others around her so well. We will miss her, but the great memories will always be with us.
Craig Geren
December 8, 2008
Art-
Please accept my most sincere condolences on your loss.
Neil and Sandy Burr
December 8, 2008
Art, Janell and Jennifer,
We are so very sorry for your loss. You have our deepest sympathy and prayers. May the love of God, family and friends ease your pain.
Sarah and Jeff Leo
December 8, 2008
Art and Family-
Our deepest sympathy for the loss of your child. We know that you must be going through so much right now. Remember the happy times and cherish the loving memories. Know that she is in a better place right now. You are all in our prayers. God Bless.
Lisa Willman
December 8, 2008
Art, Janell & Jenny,
Words cannot express how truly sorry we are at the loss of Steph. Janell, we always had to talk about our "girls" and we value the friendship that we have built over the years. We know that your pain seems insurmountable right now but please know that there are many prayers out there for you and the rest of your family.
Kim, Lisa, Daryn, Kamryn & Lauryn Willman
Darlene Harders
December 7, 2008
Art and Family, my condolences to all of you. I remember watching you and Stephanie dancing and laughing at the Saddle Club when she was younger. It's a good memory. Losing a child is the most devasting part of life. I have lost and understand the emptiness within. Be patient and take care of each other.
LEE POWELL
December 7, 2008
To the Wetzel Family Sorry for your loss. Childern's memorys are always very dear to our hearts. Remember the happy times and her great smile.
Our thoughts and prays are with you .
Lee Powell,
Terry Powell and Family
Terry, Deb, Shae & Kody Switzer
December 7, 2008
Art, Janel & Jenny.. We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May your many memories help put happiness back in your life.
Michael Shaffer
December 7, 2008
Janell,Art,and family,My deepest sympathy for your loss. Hopefully with God's help and the Love of friends and family you will get through this. May God watch over her.
Michelle Walker
December 7, 2008
Art, Janelle, Jennifer and Deb,
My thoughts and prayers are with your family....may your faith rise to carry you at this time.
Richard sanchez
December 7, 2008
sorry for your lost we got you all in are prayers god bless you all.
Brad & Amy Petersen
December 7, 2008
Amy and I are deeply saddened to hear of you and your family's loss. We wish you all the best in this extraordinarily difficult time.
Jessica O'Neill
December 7, 2008
Stephanie was an amazing person and an even better friend! I remember all the great times the group and her had together. She had a passion for what she did and a way with words. She was an amazing writer, speaker, and loved riding horses with her sister jenny. We all called her "mom" because she kept us all in check and knew us better than we knew ourselves. I will never forget the good times we had together whether it was preparing for homecoming or just messing around making silly videos in her basement. She touched the lives of so many and left a special part of her to us that we will hold in our hearts forever. She loved her family dearly and always talked about her close relationship with her mom. And with jenny and her dad, she was alot alike them as well. I will never forget steph and the great things she did for everyone whether she knew them or not. She left us knowing that she accomplished amazing things and we will always keep her in our hearts. We love her dearly and always will. Sorry for your loss. I know she's in a better place where the pain is gone. She isn't gone she will always be here watching over us but in a different sense. She would want us to be happy and remeber the happy times.
R.I.P steph (aka mom) Love you always and forever... Jess <3
Jackie & Mike Hetrick
December 7, 2008
Janelle, Art & Jennifer,
We would like to express our thoughts and deepest sympathy to you at this time. We did not get to know Stephanie, but we know that she was a beautiful young girl. Our hearts and prayers are with you always.
Chantal and Aubrey Leonard
December 7, 2008
Art, Janell and Jennifer, It really saddens me that life can bring us such hardships as this. I truly pray for God to watch over all of you and help you in your time of need. I had the pleasure of getting to know Stephanie briefly in soccer and especially Jennifer. Stephanie was also in my daughter's grade. My thoughts are with you, and Jennifer, hang in there. You are everything to your sister, take care of yourself and live every day to the extent. God Bless you all.
Randy Johnson
December 7, 2008
Janell, Art and Jennifer
Deepest sympathies to you. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Christmas 2007
December 7, 2008
Susan, Lyle and Lora Wurst
December 7, 2008
Art, Janell, and Jenny,
I am so sorry for your lost. Her beauty, her sweetness and such deep voice will stay with me forever. I will not be able to share your grief on Sunday evening because of work but will be there to support you during the funeral Service on Monday morning.
Tom Boyd
December 6, 2008
To the Wetzel Family,
We offer our condolences to you during this difficult and unbearable time. We will never know the pain, but wish for all the greatest memories to your whole family. With our continued thoughts and prayers.
Tom and Sue Boyd
Lindsey Van Stelton
December 6, 2008
Janell, Art and Jennifer~
I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Steph was such a great person. I enjoyed teaching her swim lessons at Riverside. She was a wonderful person I will never forget.
She is now in a better place where God will watch over here, and also where she will be watching over all of you.
God bless
Lindsey (Carroll) Van Stelton
Kenzie and Tiffany
December 6, 2008
Steph was an amazing friend. She had the brightest smile ever. Her laugh could make anyone smile. She made everyone in the world feel loved. She gave a smile to anyone that was around her. She was a great friend but an even greater "second mom". She had a huge heart she always took care of all of us and made sure we had exactly what we needed before caring about herself. We will never forget the memories we've shared. Like the times at Applebee's or playing dress up and pretty pretty princess. We even had a cupcake fight together. We shared so many great times and laughs. We miss her so much! She is now our gaurdian angel. We pray for Jenny, Janel, and Art. We are so very sorry for your loss. We know she was so special to you. Janel she looked up to you and truly loved you. You were her best friend. She never stopped talking about you and your relationship with her. Jenny I'm sorry that you lost your sister. She loved riding horses with you that was so exciting for her. We know she cared about you and loved you so very much she wants you to be happy and still ride horses. Its a love that you both shared. Art I'm sorry you lost Steph. You two are very similar. She loved you very much. She loved all of you so much. We know she is in a happy place. She is no longer suffering. We will keep you in our prayers. Love Kenzie and Tiff
Peggy Splattstoesser
December 6, 2008
Dear Wetzel Family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. I remember both girls at Twisters New Years Eve sleep over and the fun we had together. May God bless you all.
Brandon Iske
December 6, 2008
I had the pleasure of being a chaperon on the YNIA 2008 trip and had Stephanie in my group. She was a great person and had a big heart for helping others. I wish the family condolences and will keep all in my prayers.
Laura Cushing
December 6, 2008
Stephanie was in my first period English class at GISH. It broke my heart when my students found out Steph wouldn't be coming back to class. She was a quick reader and a great writer. I know she helped her classmates out a great deal as well. I teach sophomores all day and I can see her influence in each of my classes. We have an empty seat now in our class that can't be filled.
My prayers and thoughts go out to Steph's family. It was a joy to have her as a student, and I will miss her.
Sandy Peters
December 6, 2008
Janell, Art, & Jenny,
You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this very sad time. I am so sorry for your great loss. Stephanie was a very special and bright girl. I cannot even begin to know the pain you are all going through. I know God will be there to comfort you and help you get through this.
Love, Sandy
Dan Hruby
December 6, 2008
Stephanie Wetzel's name caught my eye as I read her obit in the Independent on the internet. Her grandfather Art and I were best friends at St. Mary's School in the early 1940s before my family moved to California. We were both redheads and loved to kick the football around after school. Art died too early and now Stephenie. My condolences to the family.
Shawn Harshbarger
December 6, 2008
Janell and Art...I'm so sorry to hear of your loss, I know she meant everything to you, she was a wonderful daughter. I believe God has her and is taking care of her, look to the Lord and she will be there.
Korrie Alexander
December 6, 2008
Stephanie and I were really good friends in middle school. We had a lot of classes together, and we always got "The Look" from the teachers because we would get to laughing and then we couldn't stop. I was always jealous of her laugh because it was cute, much unlike mine. She helped me with my math homework, she's the main reason I passed math class. Thank you for that Stehpanie. I just wish you knew you were truly loved. I will never, ever forget you. I'm sorry that we lost touch once I moved. But don't think I forgot about you untill now, you were always in my heart.
See You In Heaven .
Alexis, Lance, & Kris Petersen
December 6, 2008
Steph was an amazing, beautiful girl. Lance went to Europe with her and they spent the time of thier life over there. Alexis went to Barr with her when Alexis was in 7th, She was in 8th. Kris still remembers when she was just a little girl the whole family used to come into Sallys hair salon to get their hair done. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Wetzel family. And Stephanie will never be forgotten. We miss her with all of our hearts. Hope to see you monday!
Heather Dearing
December 6, 2008
I went to school with steph last year. I sat with her at lunch, She always had a smile and was always happy. she was always nice to me and everyone.I miss her lots.
Rest In Peace Ill miss you and always love you!! You are in my prayers!!
Mike Burns
December 6, 2008
I'm so very sorry for your loss. You have many friends and carry great respect among your colleagues in Central Nebraska. Your family is in my prayers - and will continue to be, Art.
Steph Sander
December 6, 2008
Steph was a great classmate. She made everybody smile. She always was happy and nice to anyone. She was a great friend. Steph also had a great personality. She always said hi to me in the halls. i will miss her greatly.
bill gerlach
December 6, 2008
I am so sorry for your lose. I lost my son at 17.I know your days are dark,but it time you will see light.Look to god for the help you need and he will see you thru this. Bill
Becky Voges
December 6, 2008
Stephanie, May you now rest in peace in your heavenly home. We were so blessed to know you as your Texas family. God be with your family and may God give them all they need during this diffcult time. Wil and Becky Voges
Veronica Gomez
December 6, 2008
Stephanie was amazing, she always put others before herself. & She always seemed to have a beautiful smile on her face. She was loved by many, and we will all miss her greatly. She has made a huge impact on my life & i will never forget all the great things she has done for me. She would write me a note every morning saying "good morning sunshine" it would always put me in a better mood. She was so funny; her sense of humor was great. i will miss her so much. & i can't wait to see her in Heaven some day. Friends & Family are in my prayers and God will give us all the strength we need to get through this difficult time.
Rest in Peace Stephanie,
i love you <3
Tom D Walahoski
December 6, 2008
Stephie, I will miss you! I always enjoyed when you and your sister were around. Life will go on, but will be a lesser place. Art and Janel, look to the future.
Anna O'Neill
December 6, 2008
I went to school with Stephanie, she was really nice to me. I remember when I didn't know anyone in my Geometry class and she called me over and let me sit with her and her friends. She was wonderful. I am very sorry for your loss.
Tom Pokorney
December 6, 2008
Art, Janell and Jennifer, my Thoughts and Prayers are with You and Your Family. I pray that God gives you strength and Peace!...Tom Pokorney
Dan and Mary Slattery
December 6, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Dawn Casey
December 6, 2008
Words cannot express the sadness and pain that I am feeling for your family at this tragic time. Although I don't know you personally, I know that you are a faith filled family, as I have seen you many times at church. I pray that the Lord will give you His strength during this difficult time and help you to focus on the beautiful young lady that He blessed you with and graced your lives for 16 years.
December 6, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family members in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. Cherish the time you had with Stephanie as she was a special person who was always willing to help others. Thank you for sharing her with us all.
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