OFFERLE-Robert Wetzel, 87, died Friday, July 15, 2016 at Via Christi Hospital St Francis, Wichita. He was born April 15, 1929, in rural Ford County to Harry W and Helen (Kuhn) Wetzel. He was baptized May 19, 1929 and confirmed February 21, 1943 at Zion Lutheran Church, Offerle.

He married Thelma Setzkorn on December 4, 1949 at St Michaels Lutheran Church north of Dodge City. Together they made their life farming and living on the farm located south of Offerle. She preceded him in death on February 6, 2013.

Robert was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church. Through the years he was also involved in the Kinsley Investment Club, Kinsley Gun Club and the Men's Church Bowling League. He enjoyed going to farm sales in search of a bargain, fishing, getting together with family-especially the grand and great grandkids and playing pinochle.

Survivors include two sons, Harold Wetzel and wife Wendy, Wilroads Garden and Roy Wetzel and wife Debbie, Clinton, WI.; three daughters Janet Williams and husband Don of Offerle, Colleen Miller and husband Richard, Emporia, Jennifer Heinz and husband Bill of Dodge City; eight grand children, Clint Wetzel and wife Michelle of Beloit, WI, Mary Cole and husband Matt of Wilroads Garden, Amy Wetzel of Dodge City, Curtis Williams and wife Kimberlee of Offerle, Sarah Williams of Dodge City, Rick Miller and wife Leah of Park City, Brandon Miller of Emporia, Andrea Edwards and husband Austin of Americus; seven great grand children, Levi and Misty Cole, Kinsley and Vin Wetzel, Nicholas and Natalee Williams, Cailyn Edwards; two brothers, Alan and Louie Wetzel both of Offerle; and two sisters, Elvira Setzkorn of Offerle and Bonnie Drewes of Dodge City. Robert was preceded in death by his wife, parents and great grandson, Ivan Miller.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 A.M. on July 20, 2016 at Zion Lutheran Church of Offerle with Pastor Stan Palmer presiding. Burial will follow at the Zion Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be from noon to 8 pm, July 19, 2016 at Swaim Funeral Home in Dodge City with the family will be present from 6 to 8 pm. Memorials are suggested to Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.