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Wetzel, Robert Vernard obit FB25

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OBITUARY
Robert Varnard Wetzel
June 24, 1936 – June 20, 2025
~
Bob Wetzel, 88, passed peacefully on June 20, 2025, in Boulder, Colorado, surrounded by his loving wife and son — just four days shy of his 89th birthday.

Born in Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania, Bob grew up on honesty, hard work, and a little healthy fear of his mother’s switch (a lesson he never forgot after trying to skip school one morning).

Bob built a life full of love, faith, and determination. He married Joan — an older woman by a year — when he was just 20, needing his parents’ written permission. Together they raised a son, ran several successful small businesses, played a lot of organ and piano, and somehow still found time to throw legendary lake parties. Their marriage was a true partnership, filled with laughter, grit, and devotion.

In the lumber industry, Bob was an entrepreneur, introducing the new idea of a mobile wood chipper and later expanding into specialty flooring. As small business owners, he and Joan put everything they had into keeping their employees working, even at great personal cost — a testament to the kind of man he was.

When he finally slowed down (a little), Bob delivered Culligan water in Lake Placid, Florida, volunteered with Meals on Wheels and kept busy tinkering with his beloved Volvos, and sitting on one of his strategically placed 5-gallon buckets scattered around the yard in Florida — his favorite way to rest mid-project.

Bob was a man of quiet strength and genuine kindness. He believed you’re responsible for yourself but never too busy to lend a hand. His family and friends remember him as someone who made everyone feel welcome, listened without judgment, and lived his life with generosity, humility, and humor.

Bob is reunited now with Joan, who surely had his birthday cake waiting for him. He leaves behind his son Paul, daughter-in-law Laura, and his cherished grandchildren: Kelly Sue & Jacob, Melissa & Tim, and Karen & Doug.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 11th in Bolivar, NY, where family and friends can share stories, laughter, and love in his honor.

In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting organizations that help people living with dementia and strengthen families, causes dear to Bob’s heart. And if you’re so moved, say a prayer for the vision and strength of the Catholic Church.

https://neptunesociety.com/obituaries/arvada-co/robert-wetzel-12430075?fbclid=IwY2xjawMplWBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE0bDBSZmpvbkVWeG14SGxMAR45VKIgjMcHqC96udkTaaY1zY5W0j64HVXEyu0hx7heqD_tgT_EMM8qYs-SuQ_aem_Ld8hKc4F3K4LL7gqXvzwDA

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