Thomas Lincoln Wetzel, 91, of Orrtanna, PA, went to be with Jesus on August 22, 2024 at his home.
Tom was born on February 12, 1933 to Raymond and Clara (McDannell) Wetzel. He grew up on the family farm with four siblings: Genevieve (Strasbaugh), Anna (Hess/Bucher), Robert and Raymond. He graduated from Gettysburg High School in 1951 and later enlisted in the Army, serving in Germany. Upon his return, Tom married his letter-writing sweetheart, Geraldine Mae Caskey, on April 23, 1955. The couple had three children: Larry (Cindy) of Kresgeville, PA, Kathy (James) Gilbert of Chambersburg, and Michael (Lois Steinhour) of Orrtanna.
Early in his marriage, Tom was an orchard worker as well as employed by the Gettysburg Park Service. During this time, he completed carpentry and architectural classes in Baltimore, MD. His long-term employment was as a delivery and maintenance worker for Aero Oil Company, New Oxford, where he retired in 1995.
Tom was hardworking and gifted at building and repairing just about anything. People in the community recognized his skills and often hired him for odd jobs. He often assisted his children with their home projects. Tom enjoyed carpentry and built four houses, including the family home where he and his wife have lived for over 64 years and one for his retired parents. He was also known to be frugal and saved reusable materials for future projects.
Tom’s way of showing his love was through doing and giving. He and his wife made their woodland farmette a wonderful place for their children and grandchildren to grow up. He enjoyed showing family and friends their large garden and ensured that no one went away empty-handed by generously sharing fruits and vegetables in season. He also enjoyed making wine from various berries on their property. Tom was an avid small game and deer hunter with hunting being a past time as well as a way to provide for his family.
Tom is survived by his wife of 69 years, his three children, seven grandchildren, Brian, Jeffrey, Patricia (Peter) Dunn, Lauren (Rony) Bernard, Shawn (Shannon), Scott, Amanda (Mark) Asper, and seven great grandchildren, Gauge Wetzel, Jane and William Dunn, Taylor and Heath Asper, Laureyla and Laurel Bernard. Aside from his parents, he was preceded in death by his infant brother, Floyd, sister, Genevieve, and grandson, Nathan Gilbert.
As a lifetime member of Flohr’s Lutheran Church, McKnightstown, PA, his memorial service will be held there on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at 11:00am with Pastors Dennis Probst and Larry Wetzel officiating.
Memorial contributions may be sent to: Parkinson's Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131
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31
Aug
595 Flohr's Church Rd.
McKnightstown, PA 17343
