Edward Francis Wetzel died peacefully on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at Joyful Adult Family Home in Mountlake Terrace. He was born December 25, 1927 on Christmas Day at his family home in Hoquiam, WA. He lived 96 years and nine months. His parents, Charles Louis Wetzel, of Danville, Illinois, and Mary Catherine Schlaf, of Marshall Bluff, Arkansas, were children of German immigrants.

He is survived by his wife, Jerilyn Wetzel of 55 years. Also survived by his nine children, including Maria, Eddie (Joyce) Greg, Zack (Jen) Dominic, Martin, Mary, Rose (Tim Sinnet) and Joe Wetzel. Also, his grandchildren, Nathan, Jacob and Angelica Greene, Ayden and Wesley Bounds, Taylor Sinnet; and two great grandchildren, Olivia and Gemma Greene. His siblings were Charles (Katherine), Finton, Marion (Richard), Laurence (Adeline), Herman, Clarence (Jewell), Joe (Gladys). He attended Hoquiam high school and worked in his father's music store in Hoquiam.

During the Korean War, he was drafted into the Marine Corps. He was sent to Hawaii and played the drums for the Marines.

Afterwards he moved to Seattle where he opened a piano store and sold pianos for many years well into his 80s. He enjoyed jogging around Green Lake, meditation, playing Monopoly with his children and taking them on frequent Sunday trips out of town.