David Elliott Wetzel

David Elliott Wetzel; age 82; of Ithaca; affectionately known as “Pappy”, passed away peacefully in his home in Ithaca on Thursday, August 17, 2023. David was born on August 18, 1940 in Alma at Smith Memorial Hospital to Robert and Sarah (Elliott) Wetzel. He married Sheila (Willert) Wetzel on May 19, 1962 in Ithaca. He enjoyed hunting at the Pine Hollow cabin and summer golf outings with his friends. He especially loved watching Netflix and favorite weekly television programs with his daughter, Staci, and grandchildren, Alexandra and Matthew, where they would talk for hours about the programs they enjoyed most. David owned Wetzel’s Clothing Store where he worked alongside his father, Robert (Bob) Wetzel retailing and tailoring men’s clothing. He also worked at Barden’s Funeral Home in Ithaca where he was employed for many years. David believed strongly in service to the community and proudly served on the Ithaca Fire and Rescue Department for over 52 years. David had many pursuits throughout his lifetime but his deepest passions were with his service to Ithaca Fire and Rescue and Barden’s Funeral Home. 

David is survived by his daughter, Staci Couch of Mt. Pleasant; his grandchildren, Alexandra Couch, Matthew Couch, Taylor (Luke) Root, and Jordan Lent; his brother, Mike Wetzel; his sister Helen VanGoethem; his sister-in-law, Sharon Henderson; his nieces and nephews, Terri (Steve) Ball, Tammy (Brad) Schaub, Theresa (Tom) Richter, Michelle (Chris) Rinard, Curt Wetzel, David (Linda) VanGoethem, and John (Kristina) VanGoethem. He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Sheila Wetzel; his daughter, Patti Lent; his parents Robert and Sarah Wetzel; his brothers-in-law Mike VanGoethem and Dr. Bill Henderson; and his sister-in-law Stevie Wetzel. 

Funeral Services will be Thursday, August 24, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Edgewood Church of God, with Pastor Dave Perry officiating. An Honorary Fireman’s Burial will be at the Ithaca Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 from 2-4 and from 6-8 p.m. at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Memorial contributions may be made to Ithaca Fire and Rescue. 

The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.

Comments

[Ron & Cheryl Krautstrunk]

Condolences to Dave’s family and friends. Dave always had a smile
on his face and a congenial hello to everyone he met. He will be missed by many. RIP Dave🌹

[Tom an Sherrie lance]

Rest in peace or friend. Not only was you a great neighbor but a good friend God's speed

[Nola Owen]

Dave was always a true professional in whatever he was doing. A tremendous comfort to families he served. Always with a smile.

[fred Howes]

Lois and send our condolences to the family, but also to the community of Ithaca for the loss of a wonderful man. I enjoyed any encounter with him and especially serving with him on the fire department.

[charles henry wilhelm]

we missed dave when he was no longer at bardens he was allways smileing and helpful a very nice man marlene and chuck

[Brian Godley]

Dave was a Great Man!! always was a pleasure see Dave when I would deliver Flowers to The Funeral Home!! We would always have a laugh about what ever the topic would be for that week or Day! .. Will be Greatly Missed!!

[Jim White]

bought alota clothes from him and Bob over the yrs will be missed greeting people at Bardens

[Larry and Sue Ginther]

Staci, Alexandra and Matthew... So sad to learn that Dave has passed. As long as we can remember, you were the extended family next door to "Aunt Avis and Uncle Jack". Your family were always great neighbors. Dave was a true "small town" guy, always doing what he could for others with a smile and his trademark humor. We will remember him fondly. Prayers for all of you. The Indiana Ginthers

[Larry and Charlotte Porter]

Condolences to your family. David was always a help to us for so many years. RIP.

[Margaret Bowen Lott]

Staci, sending love and prayers to your family on the loss of your dad. I have so many fond memories of Dave as a neighbor and a friend, especially our 4th of July parties. He was one of a kind and will be greatly missed.

[Cheryl Merchant and Danette McDermott]

Staci,
Sending thoughts and prayers to you and your family during this difficult time. Sis and I will miss him dearly. As usual, when we seen him in March he made us smile and laugh.