Lewis Wetzel, 93

Lt. Col. Lewis Walker Wetzel USAF (Ret.), 93 passed away on Sunday, March 30, 2025, in Sandpoint, Idaho. 

Private family services have been held.

Lew was born on May 23, 1931 in Dearborn, Michigan, to Leith and Florence Wetzel. After graduating from Dearborn High School, Lew enlisted in the United States Air Force to become a pilot. Lew married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Spence, after he graduated from the Air Force Pilot Training program in 1953. He then earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska Omaha.

He served in Vietnam, and retired from the Air Force in 1971, decorated, and with the Bronze Star.  He moved to Sandpoint, belonged to the EAA, Soaring Club of Deer Park, and enjoyed volunteering at the Bird Museum. He loved electronics, Ham radio, pottery, and flying. Throughout his life he had several ultralight planes and a blanik glider.

He is survived by his son, Marvin (Laurie) Wetzel of Seattle, Washington; daughter, Linda (Mark) Dexter of Chimacum, Washington; six grandchildren, Clara, Pearl, Oden, Sarah, Jesse, and Seth; and four great-grandchildren, Gwendolyn, Phoenix, Harper, and Freyja.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Pat, son Kirt, and brother Fritz Wetzel and sister Flo Stilly.

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Lew’s online memorial at lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his guest book.