MOUNT VERNON – Irving Wetzel Thompson, 90, died peacefully in his sleep on Dec. 31, 2021, at The Laurels of Mount Vernon, where he was recovering from a recent fall. “Wetzel,” one of six children, was born to Edgar and Blanche (Ball) Thompson on June 16, 1931, in Fort Gay, West Virginia.
As a young man, Wetzel left school to help support his family. He worked numerous jobs, including working as a short-order cook on a train. Despite his lack of formal education, Wetzel taught himself by eyeballing a problem or pulling out a thick manual, which he would patiently and persistently study. There was little he could not fix, repair or build, and his work was highly regarded and appreciated by those who knew him. He cared and took pride in a job “well done.”
Wetzel’s work ethic and skill was also formally recognized. Employed by Buel Gotterdam Company for more than 30 years as a lather, he was honored for his superior craftsmanship more than once. After retiring from Buel Gotterdam, Wetzel (never one to sit too long) worked as a custodian for Westerville City Schools. Known to the students as “Mr. Wetzel," he was beloved and received the Superintendent’s A+ Award for “exemplary performance” to the district.
Wetzel married Mary Boyd in August 1950; they just celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary. Together, they raised six children and numerous dogs and cats. As a father, he enjoyed taking his family boating, camping, waterskiing and fishing. He was also a talented gardener, taking special pride in raising tomatoes, which neighbors and friends fortunate enough to get them dubbed the “Wetzel tomato.” Another love reignited in retirement was Wetzel’s love of motorcycles. Before eventually selling his bike, Wetzel celebrated his 80th birthday by taking a motorcycle ride in the rain with his friend and neighbor, Bill Sargent. Until his recent fall, Wetzel remained capable, active and independent, residing at home with his loyal companion Taylor (who rarely left his side) and his neighborhood protector, Lila.
Wetzel was preceded in death by his sisters, Helen and Patty, and brothers, Howard and Cecil “John”; his daughter, Susan (Robert) Bracey; and beloved brother-in-law, Carroll Harris. He is survived by his wife, Mary; sister, Donna Harris; sons, Charles, David (Kim) and Robert (Praxida); daughters, Diane (Beth Andes) Thompson and Connie (Chris) Gough; son-in-law, Robert Bracey. Wetzel; deeply loved and cherished visits from his grandchildren, Cori Jones and Colby (Cristina) Russell; as well as his great-grandchildren, Connor and Darby Jones and Emery Russell.
Visitation followed by services will be held at Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home, 201 Newark Road, Mount Vernon, OH 43050, on Friday from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. with a service starting at 1 p.m. Burial will follow at Bloomfield Cemetery in Sparta. Mask are required.
In lieu of flowers, and in keeping with Wetzel’s love and devotion of all animals, the family request donations in Wetzel’s name to the Knox County Humane Society. The family also wishes to thank Wetzel and Mary’s neighbors, nieces and nephews for their kind friendship and support while both remained at home.
The Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Irving Wetzel Thompson.
