Obituary for Catherine Wetzel

Catherine Jane (Tett) Wetzel passed away in Minneapolis, MN on July 31, 2016 at the age of 85.

Catherine is preceded in death by parents, William and Stella Tett; husband, Joseph Milton Wetzel; and sister, Helen Angell.

Catherine is survived by her children, Margaret (David Stroncek), Joe (Sharon), and Jim (Linda); and 4 grandchildren, Tom Wetzel, John Stroncek (Mary), Jacqueline Stroncek, and Katrina (Jordan Weck).

Catherine was born in Two Harbors, MN in 1931. She graduated from Two Harbors High School in 1949 and went on to earn a Bachelors of Science degree from the University of Minnesota in 1953. She married Joseph Wetzel in 1953. Catherine worked as a home economist at Northern States Power before starting her family.

Catherine and Joseph made their lifelong home in Brooklyn Center beginning in 1957. She was a very active volunteer to Garden City Elementary School and the Brooklyn Center community. Catherine was a Girl Scout and Cub Scout leader, parent volunteer, Election Judge, City Council campaign manager, and League of Women Voters member.

Catherine had diverse interests and hobbies. She was an avid traveler and enjoyed traveling to all parts of the world and meeting new people. She traveled to six of the seven continents as well as seeing six of the Seven Wonders of the World. Her lifelong hobbies of sewing, quilting, crafting, reading, gardening, skiing, and golfing kept her very busy over the years. Her backyard is a gardener’s treasure. Most recently she started painting and enjoyed painting many of the 19th century classics as well as creating her own works. Catherine deeply loved her family.

She was married to her husband Joseph for 50 years.

Catherine appreciated the wonderful care that she received at the University of Minnesota Hospital and J.A. Wedum Residential Hospice.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 AM Thursday, August 4, at The Church of St. Alphonsus, 7025 Halifax Ave. N., Brooklyn Center, with visitation from 10-11 AM at the church. Interment at Gethsemane Cemetery, 8151 42nd Ave. N., New Hope, MN.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Friends of the Two Harbors Library (320 Waterfront Drive, Two Harbors, MN 55616) or to the Brooklyn Center Memorial Amphitheatre (6301 Shingle Creek Parkway, Brooklyn Center MN 55430).