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.