Obituary of Jeanne Mary Wetzel

April 3, 1929 - Dallas, Texas, USA

August 3, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Jeanne Wetzel (nee Rehkemper), beloved wife of the late Vernon Wetzel, of Calgary, AB, passed away on Thursday, August 3, 2023, with family by her side, at the age of 94 years.

Jeanne was born in Dallas, TX, USA, to parents Henrietta and Leonard Rehkemper and raised there with five siblings. She graduated from Highland Park High School and attended the University of Texas her freshman year. She returned to Dallas and worked as a secretary. Shortly afterwards, she met Vernon, and they married in 1953. They lived in Dallas, TX, USA, until 1974 when they moved to Calgary, AB, due to his work transfer.  They moved to Cochrane, AB, in 2001.

Jeanne was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.  Family was very important to her. She had an infectious laugh, and a beautiful smile. She enjoyed playing bridge, golf, sewing, gardening, reading, and needlepoint.  She particularly loved camping, hiking, and cross-country skiing in the Rocky Mountains. She and Vernon were members of Roses and Thorns Square Dance Club which danced at the 1988 Olympics opening ceremony in Calgary, AB.  After retirement, they traveled to Europe, Panama Canal, and Mexico. Their most memorable trip, however, was to Arizona, USA, to celebrate their 60-year anniversary with all their children, and spouses attending.

Jeanne will be lovingly remembered by sons Richard (Tammy) Wetzel of Dallas, TX, Mark (Nancy) Wetzel of Ocala, FL; daughters Mary Ann Wetzel (David Gordon) of Castle Rock, CO, Carolyn (Colin) Cooper of Cochrane, AB; grandchildren Chris (Kristy), Chad, Travis (Heather), Blake (Enna), Lindsay (Nick), Brian, Meagan (Rob), and Courtney (Daniel); as well as nine great-grandchildren.

The family would like to express their thanks for the wonderful support and care given by the Manor Village-Varsity Memory Care.

If friends so desire, in memory of Jeanne, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and the Northwest Territories, Administrative Office, 306, 10430 61 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T6H 2J3  Tel: (1-866) 950-5465, www.alzheimer.ab.ca .

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Cochrane, 369 Railway Street, Cochrane, AB), on Friday, August 18, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Calgary. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed at www.MHFH.com.  

 In living memory of Jeanne Mary Wetzel, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Cochrane, 369 Railway Street, Cochrane, AB T4C 2E2, Telephone: 403-932-4740.