Patricia Wetzler

Funeral services for Patricia Wetzler were held on Tuesday, August 30, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home in Gregory, SD, with Pastor Allen Bouslaugh officiating. Music was provided by Bette Fogel, pianist. Lavonne Story and Donna Wittmeier were in charge of registration, and Garry and Sandy Wetzler were flower attendants. Casket bearers were Pat’s grandsons: Holden Wetzler, Cole Wetzler, Andrew Ringling, Jett Wetzler, Jace Wetzler, Jamison Alexander, and Trevor Peagler. Honorary casket bearers were Pat’s granddaughters: Samantha Alexander, Bailey Wetzler, Joelle Peagler, and Caitlin Ringling.

Interment was in the Herrick City Cemetery in Herrick, SD. Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Patricia was born on May 2, 1943, in the coastal commonwealth of Virginia, in a small fishing town named Gloucester. She met a navy sailor from South Dakota by the name of Alfred “Dick” Wetzler. After a brief courtship, they married on July 2, 1959, and shortly thereafter, they departed for the heartland: destination farmland South Dakota. She left the only place she had ever known, the east coast, and her family to establish her own home near Herrick.

Patricia “Pat” Wetzler had a work ethic beyond compare and partnered with Dick to make the family farm successful. She was either in the milk barn or harvesting in the garden. She enjoyed hosting large family gatherings, especially during the holidays. Pat was unequivocally dedicated to her children. She made sure 4-H projects were perfected, and she was a talented seamstress who enjoyed making clothing for her children.

Pat was a rare one-of-a-kind gem, who was full of charm and who never lost her Mid-Atlantic Southeastern accent. Pat was genuine and kind, and always welcomed family and friends into her home. If she could help someone in need, she never hesitated to freely give. Her generosity was beyond compare, and she had a heart forged of gold. She was a woman of quiet strength, and an overcomer of many battles. Pat persevered through many tough times and never complained or lost her spunk.

She was preceded in death by her husband Alfred, who passed away twelve years ago; first baby Sherri Lynn; second grandson Nicolas; parents Irene and Malvin “Russell” Jenkins; and sisters Margaret, Vernetta, and Rosiland “Rose”.

Pat is survived by her five children: Lisa (Paul) Ringling and their children Andrew and Caitlin (fiancé Zach); Richard Wetzler and his children Holden, Samantha (Jamieson) Alexander and their children Parker and Banx, and Cole (Kallie) Wetzler with a little one on the way; Myron (Lorissa) Wetzler and their children Bailey, Joelle (Trevor) Peagler, Jett, and Jace; Cory Wetzler; and Troy Wetzler; brothers-in-law Bobby Kellum, Allen Bouslaugh, and Dave Savage, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.