CDR Donald T. Wetters

CDR Donald T. Wetters, 75, of Waterloo, IL, died August 13, 2024, in St. Louis, MO. He was born July 14, 1949, in Washington, DC.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years (married Nov 18,1977), Brenda K. Wetters nee Mehrtens; sons and daughter Kyle (Molly) Wetters, Nathan (Cara) Wetters, Kindra (Bret) Hughes, and Noah (Courtney) Wetters; grandchildren Natalie, Lucas, Everett, Payton, Hunter, Marie, Goodwin, Boden, Wade, Lennon and Bryson; brothers and sisters Ron (Betty) Wetters, Lynn (Angela) Wetters, Judi (Dave) Paxton, and Janet Smith; mother-in-law Arline Mehrtens; sister-in-law Barbara (Steve) Stapczynski; nieces, nephews, cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents Norris (Alma) Wetters & Valeria (Ransie) Wingo; father-in-law Merle Mehrtens; and brother Jerry Pontius.

Don grew up in Cañon City, Colorado, and left home at age 17 to enter the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. After assignments in Virginia, Alaska, and San Fransisco he met his wife, Brenda Mehrtens, in Monterey California while he was in grad school at the Naval Postgraduate school. He always said, “where else would a girl from Illinois and guy from Colorado meet except in California.” They traveled and did life together for 46 years moving from Governor’s Island NY, to Miami, to Topeka, back to New York, to Headquarters in D.C., and finally finishing up in the St. Louis District office. After 26 years he retired from the US Coast Guard as a Commander.

He enjoyed everything about the last 35 years on the “farm” he called Wettersville, even the battle with the honeysuckle. He was so proud of his 4 kids and all 11 grandchildren. He loved participating in all their activities and enjoyed playing cards and Wii sports with them. With friends, he liked playing pinochle and kloepper. He left a wonderful legacy to his children and grandchildren to never give up, stand strong in their faith, and trust in the Lord. Deut 31:6

Memorials can be made to Stepping Stone Missions or Fults Cemetery Fund

Visitation: 

12 Noon until time of service Saturday, August 17, 2024 at Quernheim Funeral Home in Waterloo, IL

Funeral Service:

 2 PM Saturday, August 17, 2024 at Quernheim Funeral Home in Waterloo, IL

 Pastor Ron Imm officiating

Interment at St. John Cemetery - Fults, IL