Leslie Carl Wetzel, 70, left this world for the next on July 29, 2022, after a heroic 32-year battle with cancer.
He was born January 27, 1952 in Jefferson, Iowa, was raised on the family farm and graduated from high school in Bayard, Iowa, attended one year of college, studying engineering, at ISU (Ames, IA) and concluded his education, in music education, at NWMSU (Maryville, MO). Following this he joined his music fraternity brothers in a band called FESTIVAL, and soon met his wife Cheryl Pickrel, from Watertown, SD. Les and Cheryl spent their next 25 years traveling the nation bringing joy to thousands of people and to each other.
Les played trumpet, was a natural comedic straight man, and served as an accountant for the group.
For the past 25 years they have lived in Watertown, where Les worked at ESCO Manufacturing, helping craft thousands of signs, also seen across the nation.
Throughout his life, Les was always the hardest working person you knew. A jack of all trades, he was very meticulous, taking great pride in his work to make everything he touched the best it could be. Les was a good Christian man, with a strong sense of family and faith, whose spirit touched everyone he met. He was one of the kindest souls you would meet, a generous, thoughtful and loving person who always gave 100% and strived to never let you down. He was a very patient and accepting person, who always seemed to have a smile on his face.
Les loved to spend time with his family, and doted on his nieces and nephews, attending their sporting events and helping them celebrate their many achievements. He enjoyed boating, bowling, playing cards, hiking and riding bicycles, was a master craftsman at wood working, and was an avid fan of his beloved Kansas City Chiefs and Royals, and the Watertown Arrows. In 2018, Les was inducted into both the South Dakota and Iowa Music Halls of Fame.
For the past year Les had been part of cutting-edge cancer research. His willingness and courage to be part of this clinical research trial should help advance future cancer treatment protocols. The loss of both parents, both sisters, numerous cousins and friends, as well as his own personal battle with two forms of this terrible disease led him to push this boundary.
Les is survived by his wife Cheryl, of 43 years, three brothers, Maurice, Skidmore, MO, Keith (Linda), Cameron, MO and Russ (Carla) Skidmore, brothers-in-law, Wayne Anderson, Alburnette, IA, John Sundet, Clarksville, IA, Randy (Joni), Jeff, Steve and Craig, and sister-in-law, Susan, all of Watertown, two aunts, two uncles, and numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.
Les was preceded in death by his parents Kenneth and Daisy Wetzel, Bayard, his sisters Joan Anderson, and Beverly Sundet, and his parents-in-law Jerry and Marilyn Pickrel of Watertown.
A visitation will be held on Monday, August 1, 2022 from 5-7:00 pm at Wight & Comes Funeral Chapel, with funeral services at the Immaculate Conception Church on August 2, 2022 at 10:00 am. Father Richard Fox will officiate. The Reader will be Eric Pickrel. Music will be provided by Anna Oleson as soloist and the Immaculate Conception Funeral Choir accompanied by Danielle Holmquist-Holida.
Graveside services will follow with interment at Saint Mary’s cemetery.
A luncheon will be served at the Parish Hall after the committal service.
Pallbearers will be: Aaron Pickrel, Duston Wetzel, Eric Pickrel, Jason Pickrel, Kory Pickrel, Dustin Pickrel, Tyler Pickrel and Andy Wetzel.
Contributions can be made in Les’ honor to the American Cancer Society.