Robert Lee, 81, of Fremont, OH passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, June 05, 2017. He was born September 3, 1935 in Ballville Township to the late Truman E. and Edna Mae (Amos) Wetzel. Robert married Shirley Ann Bradshaw January 10, 1956 and she preceded him in death on February 28, 1971.
Robert played for the Little Giants football team while in high school and referred to as “Ball Hog Wetzel” gaining a nickname “Jo-Jo”. He was a former member of the Fremont Eagles, Loyal Order of The Moose, Easter Seals of Sandusky County and retired from Ohio Vending. He was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church.
Robert married Beverly L. (Schmitt) Spears on August 26, 1972 and welcomed her children into the “Wetzel” family. Both Robert and Beverly were active in Fremont Ross Boosters, holding many positions within that organization for over thirty years. Their family home was known as the “Ross House” to many. Beverly preceded him in death on July 16, 2006.
Survivors include children, Tammy Jo (Jim) Broshious, Ronald (Lisa) Wetzel, William (Mary) Spears, Robert (Christine) Spears, Susan (Jeff) March; brother, Earl (Mary) Wetzel, Sandusky, OH; sisters-in-law, Arlene Wetzel, Fremont, OH and Carol Sumond of Alabama; brothers-in-law; Earl (Irene) Bradshaw of Alabama and Brydel Kemph, Galion, OH; seventeen grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Shirley Ann; second wife, Beverly Louise; sons, John Robert “Iddy Biddy Buddy”, Robert Lee, Jr.; grandson, Mark Edwin Aldridge; brothers, Carl, Donald, Calvin and Franklin Wetzel; sister, Marjorie Mae Baker; lifetime friend, Lester Franks.
The family would like to extend a sincere “Thank You” to Scott and Patti Tucker for their friendship, support and love over the years and to the late Lester Franks, Robert’s lifetime best friend who had always been there for him; Mike Doty, another friendship built over the years. Also, a sincere “Thank You” to Hospice for their support, especially “Patti”, his nurse, whom showed him compassion, providing him with comfort, but most of all making his days brighter throughout a difficult time.
Visitation: Thursday from 2 – 4 pm and 6 – 8 pm with a Vigil at 7:30 pm at Wonderly Horvath Hanes Funeral Home and Crematory, 425 E. State St, Fremont, OH.
Mass of Christian Burial: Friday, June 9, 2017, 10:30 am at St. Ann Catholic Church, 1021 W. State St, Fremont, with Fr. Michael Zacharias officiating.
Burial: Oakwood Cemetery at a later date
Memorials: Hospice of ProMedica Memorial Hospital, 430 S. Main St, Clyde, OH 43410.
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janet kramer
Ronnie Wetzel and Family
Sorry for your loss. Your dad always supported Fremont Ross and made his yard special for the community. I remember him always keeping the jukeboxes 45 records up to date back when 45’s were popular
Linda M Gegorski
Sincere sympathy to all the family with thoughts/prayers!!