GEORGE JOHN WETZSTEIN (Contributed) George John Wetzstein was born in Lee county, Illinois, a son of John and Gertrude Wetzstein, August 17, 1869. With his parents he came to Dysart, Iowa, at the age of seven years, where he received his education and grew to manhood. On Septebmer 25th, 1890, he was united in marriage with Lizzie Lindemand. This marriage was blessed with one son, Alfred. His early life was saddened when his companion and the second child passed away. November 28, 1894, he was united in marriage with Lena Hotzel. To this union was born four children: Florence, Arthur, Esther, and Lena. In the prime of life the mother of these children departed to be with the Lord suddenly at the time of Lena's birth. June 15th, 1905, Tena Roske became the companion of Brother Wetzstein and encouraged his hard and difficult life as she kindly mothered the little children. To this union was born one son, George, junior. George Wetzstein was carried to the house of God long before he could remember. Early in boyhood he recognized that men are born and conceived in sin. Under the preaching of the gospel in the Evangelical church his tender heart became convinced that Jesus died on Calvary's cross to take away his sin, and at the alters of the Evangelical church he gave his heart to Christ at Dysart, Iowa. As a young man he was a faithful member of the church and for years served as class leader. Shortly before his passing he told of the great spiritual blessings which he enjoyed when he led the class in the prayer meetings. When he was a member of the Evangelical church in Olivia, Minnesota, he was a member of the board of trustees and also held this office at the time when the Evangelical church there built a new building. In 1919 he came to Waseca and was a faithful member of Salem Evangelical church until the time of his passing. Several months ago he became ill. He grew steadily worse and through the long hours of hardship and severe suffering he bore his burden patiently. Friday morning at 5:45, April 30, 1943, he passed away at the age of 74 years, 8 months, and 18 days. He was an encouragement to the present pastor of Salem Evangelical church in that he ever emphasized the essentials of the Christian faith. He spoke much of prayer and loved to have the pastor pray for him. We shall miss his presence but we shall also miss his prayers and the affirmations of his firm faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord of his life. There remain to mourn his departure: His beloved wife, Tena Roske Wetzstein, six children, Alfred, Mrs. Wm. Krause, Arthur, Mrs. Jerome Johnston, Mrs. Ezra Shauer, and George, all of this community; three sisters, Mrs. Catherine Schriber of Dysart, Iowa; Mrs. Adam Roub of Leport, Iowa; Mrs. Courtney Meeker of Waterloo, Iowa; two brothers, John and Gust. Wetzstein, both of Dysart, Iowa and 15 grandchildren. Funeral services were held from the home at 10:45 Sunday morning and at 11 at Salem Evangelical church, with the pastor, Rev. Ezra Budke, officiating. Burial was in Woodville cemetery and the following were pall bearers: Fred. Kottke, Fred. Born, Reinhold Born, H. A. Johnston, Rudolph Zell and Ben. Roesler. Among those from out of town in attendance at the funeral were: Mr. and Mrs. John Wetzstein, Gust. Wetzstein, Mrs. Katherine Schreiber, all of Dysart, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Russel Meeker, Courtney Meeker, Mrs. Will. Hilmer, all of Waterloo; Mrs. Adam Raub, La Porte, Iowa; Herman Draheim, Mrs. Amelia Proedoehl, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Fahse, all of Olivia; Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph Draheim of Mora; Art. Klingbeil of Minneapolis; Mr. and Mrs Ralph Foster, Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Foster, Mrs. Nic Larson of Hastings; Mr. and Mrs. Walter Wagner and Mrs. Martha Holtz of Bricelyn; Mrs. Louise Holtz and daughter, Sarah, Mrs. Mildred Nelson and children, Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Fogerty, Mr. and Mrs. Norman Jensen, all of Albert Lea; Mr. and Mrs. John Wetzstein, Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Wetzstein, Mrs. Carl Wetzstein of West Concord; Mrs. Mary Paske of Sauk Centre; Mrs. Carrie Koechel, Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Streiker of Fairmont.
Waseca Journal 5-6-1943