Evans Funeral Home
"Compassionate Funeral Service"
Carrington and New Rockford, North Dakota
701.652.3003 or 701.947.2911
Secondary Number ~ 701.650.9937
Thomas “Tom” Wetzel
Tom Arnold Wetzel, age 73, of Sheyenne, ND, lost his battle with COPD on Friday, May 28, 2021 at CHI St. Alexius Health Medical Center in Carrington, ND. He is preceded in death by Albert and Arlene Wetzel (parents), “Pete” (brother), Anita (sister), Patricia Walser (mother of his children), Venoie Bergrud (mother-in-law) and Christal Holter (stepdaughter). Survived by brothers Roger (Cindy), Tim (Donna) and “Fritz” (Sharon) Wetzel; wife Deb Wetzel; sons Shane (Angela) and Cole (Kari) Wetzel; grandsons Sage and Chance Wetzel; stepson Darren Holter; and a step-granddaughter Crystal Holter.
Tom was born on July 22, 1947, in Devils Lake, ND. He was the fourth child born to Albert and Arlene Wetzel. Tom attended Oberon School (1965 graduate), where he was a natural athlete and excelled in both basketball and track. 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 Calvary 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, ND 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, ND.
Throughout his life, Tom continued to work with horses and participate at 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 his “beautiful bride”, Deb Holter, on May 26, 2012. During retirement he continued work with horses and mules. When time permitted, he restored old horse drawn wagons, sleighs and buggies. He also did 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), Tim (Donna) and “Fritz” (Sharon) Wetzel; his wife Deb Wetzel; two sons Shane (Angela) and Cole (Kari) Wetzel; grandsons Sage and Chance Wetzel; stepson Darren Holter and step-granddaughter Crystal Holter.
He is preceded in death by Albert and Arlene Wetzel (parents), “Pete” (brother), Anita (sister), Patricia Walser (mother of his children), Venoie Bergrud (mother-in-law) and Christal Holter (stepdaughter).
Visitation will be Friday, June 4, 2021, from Noon-2:00PM followed by a Funeral Service at 2:00PM all at Evans Funeral Home, New Rockford, ND.
Burial will be at the Hillside Cemetery, Oberon, ND.
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Our sympathy during this difficult time.
I have many good memories of growing up with Tom on our farm at Oberon. He was a hard worker and we could always count on him to get his jobs done. He liked working with horses, which became a lifelong passion of his. I played on the high school basketball team with him for one year. He served in the army in Vietnam the same two years that I was in the Peace Corps in west Africa. But we had totally different experiences.
He had a good sense of humor and loved to joke around.
We couldn’t believe how much he enjoyed doing orthotics and prosthetics work, especially with children. That was quite a change from his previous work welding at a coal mine for many years.
He will be missed by us family members, relatives, and his many friends in the area.😞
Our deepest condolences to Deb, Shane and Cole.
May he Rest In Peace!🙏
I grow up with Tom…we had some good times…he tied me on a big bottle calf once..I got stepped on and Tom got a good laugh out of it…going to miss him
Ohhh Deb ~ I am Sooo Sorry to hear this. My thoughts and prayers are with You at this time.
My condolences to you and your family sending prayers at this difficult time
My heart hurts for you, Deb, and all of Tom’s family and friends. May you be filled with God’s peace. Rest in peace, Tom.
It was always a good time when the “city” cousins from Minnesota came to visit the “country” cousins in North Dakota. Growing up, there was plenty of fun and mischief for all! Thank you, Tommy, for all the fond memories and entertaining times together. Love and prayers to all the Wetzels.
I knew Tom briefly as I sold a horse barn in Cheyenne he was always kind and considerate had something to say and I just wish I’d known him longer than I did he is missed
I’m so sorry for your loss and the families. He sounded like a Wonderful man. My heart breaks for you. Cherish the memories and hold them close in Hope’s that will release some of your sorrow. Sending you love, hugs and prayers.
Cole, sorry to read of your dad passing away. You & your family are in our thoughts & prayers.
My deepest sympathy Debbie to you and all the family. It is at this time of Tom’s passing that we look back at all the good times we experienced, especially for all the joy and laughter
Tom extended to all of us over the many years which have passed. Sandy and I always looked forward to you and Tom’s overnight stays, visits and road trips. We are all saddened by his departure. Again my sincerest condolences and prayers for the days ahead.
My sincere condolences to you Deb (family) and to the Wetzel family for the loss of Tom. I first met Tom when he was back visiting his parents in Sheyenne. Albert and Arlene were my neighbors and they were awesome. Tom came from a good family and it seems that is hard to come by these days. He seemed so laid back and good natured and was the most creative person. He could make something great out of nothing. Cherish the times you had with him together and it will help you get through the days ahead. God Bless. Again sorry for your loss. Pat and Laurie LaRoque
Fritz, Roger, Deb, and Family,
My deepest condolences to all for Tom’s passing. I was sad to hear of the loss of a friend, fellow vet, and a good man. I’ll carry many memories of our time growing up in Oberon and in our lives. Tom brought happiness to everyone, we all benefited by knowing him.