Paul J. Wetstein, age 75, of Marion, IL known to many as "Tall Paul," passed away surrounded by his family at 7:57 p.m. on Wednesday, July 23, 2008, at his home.
He was born at home on February 6, 1933, in St. Louis County, MO the son of Joseph and Marie (Sanders) Wetstein.
Paul was a proud graduate of St. Louis University High School, Class of 1951.
Shortly after graduation he answered the call of the nation by serving in the United States Army from 1952 thru 1954, during the time of the Korean Conflict, being stationed at Okinawa, Japan. After his period of faithful service he was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal and soon after his return he enrolled at St. Louis University.
Paul was united in marriage to Mary Catherine Becker on May 7, 1955, at St. Andrews Catholic Church of Lemay, MO and together they have shared over 53 years of marriage.
His working career was with AMF Pinspotters Inc. for 26 years until the company closed the division in 1986. In August of 1986, with the support of his family, he formed his own company "Paul Service Inc.," providing pinspotting repair for the bowling alleys of the southern region of Illinois. He has provided this service for the last 22 years until he decided to close the company on June 30, 2008, due to health reasons.
In 1990 he and his wife, Kate, decided to move from East St. Louis, IL to the Lake of Egypt, located south of Marion. The lake home soon became the gathering point for all the family. The many lake activities included swimming, waterskiing, and cook outs, which were enjoyed by everyone, especially the grandchildren. Paul and Kate lived at the lake for about 12 years until they decided to move into Marion in 2003.
Paul was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church of Marion, being actively involved in many of the church activities.
In his spare time, Paul had many activities that kept him busy. He was passionate about bowling, once achieving the high score of 290. He also enjoyed anything that challenged him, especially word puzzles, playing pinochle or repairing items that were broken. He also followed sports closely, especially any the family was involved with. He was an avid Cardinal and NASCAR fan.
Paul was an ideal role model for his nine children and devoted grandfather to his grandchildren.
He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Catherine "Kate" Wetstein of Marion, IL; four daughters and sons-in-law, Rose Marie and Ray Hogan of Anna, IL, Jo Ann Mayer and Dr. Gerald Hanley of Marion, IL, Mary Claire and Steve Schaefer of New Athens, IL and Paula Jean Corwin and Timothy Kathrein of Chicago, IL; four sons and daughters-in-law, Mark and Julia Wetstein of Carbondale, IL, Dr. Matthew and Dr. Cindy Ostberg Wetstein of Stockton, CA, John and Vanessia Wetstein of Chatham, IL; Dr. Kenneth and Carrie Wetstein of Defiance, OH; and daughter-in-law, Edith Wetstein of Imperial, MO; seventeen grandchildren, Derek Ackermann, Adam Wetstein, Richard Wetstein, Joseph Hogan, Daniel Hogan, Michael Mayer and his wife, Sarah, William Mayer, Clarice McKay and her husband, Curtis, Philip Schaefer, Denise Schaefer, Lt. Paul Wetstein, Patrick Wetstein, Katie Palazzolo, Maureen Kathrein, Weronika Kathrein, Caitlyn Wetstein and Chloe Wetstein; three great grandchildren; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Joan and Robert Gruensfelder, of Chicago, IL and Jane and Bruce Johnson of St. Louis, MO; brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Carol Wetstein of St. Louis, MO; two sisters-in-law, Dolores Hertel of St. Louis, MO and Lynn Jozwik and her husband, Thomas, of Webster Groves, MO; two brothers-in-law, Robert Becker and his wife, Carol of St. Louis, MO and Edwin Becker and his wife, Sharron, of Hillsboro, IL and the late John Becker; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other extended family and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Richard Wetstein (2002); his sister, Mary Wetstein (1995); and his brother, Edward Wetstein (2005).
The family would like to especially thank Dr. Alberto Cuartas and his staff and Hospice of Southern Illinois for their caring support.
Arrangements for Paul J. Wetstein were entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court St., Marion, IL.
A prayer vigil service was at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 27th, led by Sister Anastasia Wehner at the funeral home.
The time of the visitation was from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 27th at the funeral home. During the time of visitation a “Reflections of Life” DVD Memorial Tribute featuring special people, places and events in Paul's life was presented to the family and friends. The funeral mass was at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, July 28, 2008, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 600 N. Russell St., Marion, IL with Monsignor Dennis Schaefer presiding.
Special music presented during the mass was by guitarist, Bill Harper.
Pallbearers were William Mayer, Phillip Schaefer, Michael Mayer, Paul Wetstein, Joseph Hogan, Daniel Hogan, Patrick Wetstein, Adam Wetstein and Richard Wetstein. Following the service the family and friends gathered at the Knight of Columbus Hall for a meal and continued time of fellowship.
In lieu of flowers the family preferred memorial contributions made to St. Joseph Catholic Church "Capital Improvement Fund," "Hospice of Southern Illinois," "American Cancer Society," or the charity of donor’s choice.
Memorial contribution envelopes were available at the funeral home or were mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, P.O. Box 370, Marion, IL 62959.
For additional information please contact the funeral home by calling, 618-993-2131.
