Donald Lance Wetzel

Don was born on July 21, 1932 in Chicago, IL to Scott Witherby Olsen & Virginia Carpenter Olsen (Wetzel). He graduated from Harper High School in 1951, and from 1953-55, he served in the US Army as an armor mechanic. While in the Army, he put his faith in Jesus Christ after reading a Gospel tract. In 1958, he married Mary Ellen Sanderson from Marysville, Kansas, and they welcomed three sons from 1961to 1965. Don worked as a draftsman and blueprint supervisor at Malco and Molex manufacturing companies. He actively served at Marquette Manor Baptist Church in Downers Grove IL for 54 years. Don was an avid fisherman who frequently invited family & friends to join him on fishing, canoeing, and camping adventures. Don and Mary moved to the Maranatha Village in Sebring FL in 2009 and then to Greenville SC in 2020.

Don was known as someone who appreciated the value of hard work and efficiency. He cared deeply for the many ministries of his local church, contributed to foreign missions, and served as a deacon, a greeter, and Sunday School superintendent. He also led the Christian Boys Brigade, coached youth floor hockey, and anchored the church softball team. He will be lovingly remembered as an organized planner equipped with his daily notes, a diligent follower of Christ, and his affectionate good humor.

He is survived by his wife Mary, his spouse of almost 63 years, three sons & their spouses of Greenville SC; John(Kristi), Mark(Theresa), Paul(Valerie); one brother, Walter Wetzel (Pat) of Tinley Park, IL, and one sister, Karen Wetzel Roseler (Bob) of La Grange, IL, 8 grandchildren, and 3 (soon to be 4) great-grandchildren. Don was predeceased by his brother, Dale Olsen (Joan) of Schaumberg IL.

The family will receive visitors at Mackey Mortuary at 311 Century Drive Greenville, SC on Friday, July 16 at 9 AM, with his funeral service in their chapel at 10 AM. Don will be laid to rest during a graveside service at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Greenville, SC. Memorial gifts may be sent to Marquette Manor Baptist Church in Downers Grove IL or to Maranatha Baptist Church in Sebring FL.

The service will be livestreamed at https://youtu.be/lpr6n3rA_ww.

Condolences can be made to the Wetzel family at www.mackeycenturydrive.com.