Tanner Michael Wetzel

For this one rancher the worries are over,

lie down and rest your head,

your time has been, and struggles enough,

put the tractor in the shed

The sun is setting, the cattle are bedded,

and here now is the end of your day

take off your gloves and put them down,

no more sweat or chores for you.

Your labor is done, your home now in heaven;

no longer must you wait,

your legacy lives on, your love of the land,

and we will close the gate.

Tanner Michael Wetzel, 28, of Augusta, Illinois, is at rest after surrendering to complications of leukemia after an honorable battle on September 8th, 2024, at 1:43am.

He came into the world in Normal, Illinois in the spring of 1996 directly after his twin Thomas Gene's entry into the world to Bradley and Jennifer Wetzel and welcomed by older sister Skyler and brother Tucker. Tanner graduated from Macomb High School in 2014. Most recently, Tanner was an integral part of the operation and success of Moss Rock Ranch. He also ran his own company, Williams Creek Beef Company.

Cody Holst shared, "Tanner was the definition of the last great American cowboy. He took great pride in the ranch and everything it stood for. Tanner knew that what he was building was more than just a ranch but a legacy for him to pass on to his family as well. He was a son, brother, best friend, and business partner to all of us that will forever be remembered at Moss Rock Ranch."

Tanner's passing is carried by the heavy hearts of his loving family, an abundance of beloved friends, and loved ones. Tanner lived a vibrant life and still had so much ahead of him and much more to offer this world. He was taken from all of us far too soon.

Tanner was preceded in death by his great-grandmother Patrica Rowland, Great-grandfather and grandmother, Leonard and Maxine McKee and is survived by his grandparents, Kathy and Dave Livingston, Linda and Wayne Dorethy, Roger and Jackie Wetzel; mother, Jennifer Klekowski, siblings Skyler Wetzel (Colby Craig), Tucker Wetzel (Anastacia Hanauer), his twin brother Tommy Wetzel, Tristan Wetzel and his children (Oliver and Isabella), Keegan Wetzel and step siblings Grace Lessen and Samuel Lessen as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins as well as his ranch family, Cody and Erin Holst, their children Reese and Rhett and Grant (Doc) and Jan Holst. Tanner leaves behind his proud and loving father, Bradley Wetzel and his stepmother Melanie Sharpe.

A formal ceremony will be followed by a celebration of life, held on October 19, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the Smokin' Gun Hunting Lodge, 995 E Co Rd 1550, Hamilton, IL for all that respected and loved Tanner. Dinner and drinks will be served.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Barnes Jewish Hospital, Siteman Cancer Center, an education fund for his beloved nephew and niece: Oliver and Isabella Wetzel and also to aid with the cost of Tanner's headstone.

Monetary donations can be made out to Tanner Wetzel Memorial and mailed to: 7280 E 10th Street, Tennessee, Illinois 62374

"When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure. You will be with me always brother" - Tommy.