Obituaries: Thomas Wetzel

Thomas Arnold Wetzel, 73, of Sheyenne, N.D., lost his battle with COPD on Friday, May 28, 2021 at CHI St. Alexius Health Medical Center in Carrington, N.D.

Funeral service was held on Friday, June 4, 2021 at Evans Funeral Home, New Rockford. Burial was held at the Hillside Cemetery, Oberon, N.D. Rev. Amy Kippen officiated the service. Honorary bearers were all of Tom's family and friends. Military honors were provided by VFW Post #6547, Fort Totten, N.D. and the North Dakota National Guard Funeral Honors Team.

Tom was born on July 22, 1947, in Devils Lake, N.D. He was the fourth child born to Albert and Arlene Wetzel. Tom attended Oberon School graduating in 1965. Starting during his high school years, Tom became an accomplished saddle bronc rider and an excellent horseman. Following high school, Tom was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served from 1967 – 1969 under the 1st Cavalry Division as a dog handler, and walked point for many divisions. Tom received a purple heart for being wounded in battle.

In 1976, Tom relocated to Zap, N.D., where he worked as a welder at the coal mine for 18 years. After being injured on the job, Tom went back to school and received a degree in orthotics and prosthetics. He enjoyed putting smiles on the faces of those he helped. His career took him to Wyoming, Oklahoma and New Mexico, before he retired in 2011 and moved back to Sheyenne, N.D.

Throughout his life, Tom continued to work with horses and participate in rodeos in the team roping event. Tom was a no-nonsense type of person and spoke his mind freely; you always knew where Tom stood on any matter. However, he was also kind, compassionate and caring. He possessed a strong work ethic and an innate devotion to his lifelong friends.

Tom married Deb Holter, on May 26, 2012. During retirement, he continued working with horses and mules. When time permitted, he restored old horse-drawn wagons, sleighs and buggies. He also completed many chainsaw wood carvings based on his wild imagination, which are on display throughout his yard. He will be sorely missed as he was always the soul of any gathering.

Tom is survived by his brothers Roger (Cindy) Wetzel, Tim (Donna) Wetzel and "Fritz" (Sharon) Wetzel; his wife Deb Wetzel; two sons Shane (Angela)Wetzel and Cole (Kari) Wetzel; grandsons Sage and Chance Wetzel; and stepson Darren Holter.

He was preceded in death by his parents Albert and Arlene Wetzel, his brother "Pete," sister Anita, Patricia Walser (mother of his children), his mother-in-law Venoie Bergrud and stepdaughter Christal Holter.

Arrangements by Evans Funeral Home of New Rockford, N.D.