David B. Wetzel, 67, of Nauvoo passed away Thursday morning May 5th, 2022.
Dave was the seventh of eight born to Helen and Burdette Wetzel, who proceeded him in death
along with his brother Wayne. He is survived by his four sisters Karol, Brenda, Marge and
Nancy, and two brothers Jim and Byron.
Dave graduated from Carthage, IL in 1971 and went on to attend Danville Junior college to play
golf and earn a degree in Turf Maintenance. The following years consisted of more golf, more
landscaping, serving as a leader in Young Life and meeting his future wife, Greta. They were
married in 1981 in Nauvoo, IL.
Dave and Greta settled in rural Nauvoo and had two children, Burdette and Gracie. It was
around this time Dave started a job as a production operator at the Iowa Army Ammunition
plant. He went on to complete his B.A. while working his way up and eventually becoming the
Quality Director - never forgetting where he started and the people he met along the way. After
35 dedicated years he retired 2021. Although it was a short retirement, he made sure to get the
most out of it between golf, a trip out to Idaho and lots of time enjoying being Papa Dave.
Family was a top priority for Dave. Beyond working at the plant through the week, Dave
continued to do landscaping on weekends to make sure there was a little extra money for a
family vacation. He made sure his mom and sisters were taken care of and spent long hours
talking on the phone with his brothers. He had several nieces and nephews all around the
country and was good to make sure he kept up with how they were all doing. He welcomed
Kenna and Andy into the family. He shamelessly spoiled Bellamy. Dave was especially proud of
his wife and kids, who all followed his lead in pursuing their education and working hard.
This all culminated with Dave’s fight with cancer. He educated himself, made a plan, and
worked hard. He kept his family close. He kept his head down and his eye on the ball. He will be
greatly missed.
Funeral Services will be held at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage at 10:00 AM Tuesday morning,
May 10, 2022, with burial to follow in Thornber Cemetery near Powellton. Visitation will be
held Monday evening at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage from 2:00 – 8:00 P.M. with family
meeting friends from 5:00 – 8:00 P.M. Memorials may be directed to the Memorial Hospital
Foundation with proceeds being used for a four seasons room at the Hancock Village. Printy
Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of the arrangements.