George Allen Wetzel, 97, passed away Sept. 28, 2011, after an extended illness at Thorne Care Center, Wesley Towers.

George was born July 16, 1914, in Canton, Ill., to George M. and Daisy Wetzel.

He spent his youth living in Chicago. George graduated from the University of Illinois in 1939, earning a Bachelor Degree in Education. He also had great success as an all-city basketball player in Chicago. As a child of the Depression era, he often reflected on the hard times of his youth, yet contrasted it with memories of the wonders of the Chicago World's Fair of 1933-1934, where he worked as a tour guide.

He married Tena Goldenstein on March 4, 1939. She preceded him in death in 2004.

George lived in Chicago, Ill., Milwaukee, Wis., Parkville, Mo., and became a Hutchinson resident in 1953. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Charles Wetzel.

George is survived by: his daughter, Dr. Linda Erickson of Hutchinson; son, Keith Allen (Maribell) Wetzel of Hutchinson; and grandson, Reed Allen Wetzel of Wichita. He had many nephews and nieces. George was a retired produce buyer for Dillons where he was employed for 25 years. After retirement he became a business partner in T & G Investments. George was a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church. He served in several church positions, always considering it an honor to serve the Lord in any way possible. George was a lifetime golf enthusiast and a member of Prairie Dunes Country Club. He taught many friends the game of golf because he enjoyed sharing his love of the game.

Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2011, at Elliott Chapel, Hutchinson, with Pastor Tim Carey officiating. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday and Monday at Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, with family present from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday. Burial will be in the Fairlawn Cemetery, Hutchinson.

Memorials may be made to Emanuel Lutheran Church, in care of the mortuary.

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