February 2026

Oliver Hugo Wetzel, 94, passed away peacefully on November 9, 2025 at Green Oaks Senior Living in Libertyville, IL. He was born in Freistadt, WI on a dairy farm and after high school decided to dedicate his life in service to his country and spreading the gospel. He graduated from Concordia University and Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree and joined the Navy as a Naval Chaplain, attaining the rank of Captain. Throughout his military career, he preached and spread the Gospel, counseled and supported troops on land and sea, inspired a young, enlisted man who later became the Navy Chief of Chaplains, and saved many troops in crisis situations. After 30 years of distinguished military service as a chaplain in the Navy, he retired from the Navy at Bangor Submarine Base, in Silverdale, WA.

Oliver lived a long and meaningful life rooted in family, church, and military service. Moving every 3.5 years in the military life, Oliver made sure that each duty station location became a fun adventure for his family, immersing them in nature and exploring anything the surrounding area had to offer. In California, they would hike, go boating, beach walk, and catch grunion; in Washington State, there were trips to see the redwood forests, fish for salmon, and dig for clams; Oahu, Hawaii offered more boating, diving, reef walking, and enjoying Mongolian BBQ’s; Rhode Island provided trips to the seaside and Sunday afternoon drives to see historical cities and mansions. He also enjoyed a deep love for animals and nature, and he had several outdoor hobbies.

Oliver was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret (Mayer) Wetzel; his parents, Martin and Milda (Frenz) Wetzel; and three siblings, Wilmer Wetzel, Grace Nitz, and Marion Bittorf. He is survived by three children Thomas (Lou) Wetzel, Susan (Dale) Kovarik, and Jim (Barbara) Wetzel; five grandchildren, Sabrina, Sarah, Margaret, Matthew, and Aaron; and four great grandchildren, Parker, Logan, Sparrow and Zion.