Dorothy M Wetzel

Dorothy M. Wetzel, 73, Pelican Rapids, MN went to be with the Lord January 12, 2013 after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's.

Dorothy Freier was born March 18, 1939 near Streeter, ND, the daughter of Gustov Freier and Iona (Selig) Freier. Dorothy grew up on the family farm and graduated from the Streeter High School. After graduation, she went on to receive her teaching certificate from Ellendale Teacher's College.

Through mutual friends, she met her future husband Harlin Wetzel, at a Church Tabernacle. On August 28, 1960 she and Harlin Wetzel were married at the EUB Church in Streeter, ND. She taught for several years while farming near Wishek, ND. In 1976 they moved to Hunter, ND where Dorothy worked several part time jobs while raising 4 children.

Despite the challenges of living with Parkinson's, we could always count on a smile and a positive attitude from Dorothy. She never complained and she trusted completely in the Lord. Her faith never wavered and she knew she would be free from the constraints of Parkinson's when the day came for her to meet her Lord.

Harlin and Dorothy enjoyed several of their retirement years together at their lake home near Vergas, MN before Dorothy entered the Pelican Valley Nursing Home in 2006. They had just celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary a few months before Harlin passed away unexpectedly in 2010.

Dorothy was loved by all who knew her. Many of her caregivers have told us that they enjoyed her warm smile and that she has a very special place in their hearts. The family wants to thank the staff at the Nursing Home for the excellent care they provided to Dorothy in her final years.

Surviving are her children, Carla (Allan) Funk, Eagan, MN; Darcy Wetzel, Eagan, MN; Vickie (Greg) Doeden, Moorhead, MN; Wylie (Mindy) Wetzel, Woodbury, MN, 4 granddaughters, Emily, Olivia, Katherine and Margaret, 1 grandson, Taylor. 5 brothers, Otto (Phyllis) Freier, Ray (Stephanie) Freier, Charles (Carol) Freier, Mark (Brenda) Freier, Warren (Elise) Freier; 4 sisters, Dena (Elmer) Ackerman, Amy Wonnenberg, Linda (George) Weed, Ila Freier, and many nieces and nephews, and 1 brother-in-law, Herbert Obenauer.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, 1 sister Alta and 1 sister in infancy.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 AM Thursday January 17, 2013 in The Lutheran Church of Christ the King, Moorhead, MN with Rev. Jeff McCracken officiating

Visitation - 1 hour before services at the Church.
Interment - Wishek City Cemetery, Wishek, ND. (In the spring)