James J. Wetzell

STERLING – James J. Wetzell, 74, of Sterling, died Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015, at his home.

James was born Aug. 16, 1941, in Dixon, the son of Earl and Francis (Wirth) Wetzell. He was a 1959 graduate of Leaf River High School. James married Sandy Palmer on Nov. 11, 1961, in Adeline. She preceded him in death on March 12, 1991. He was a member of Como Baptist Church. James married Karen (Hansen) Knebel on Sept. 7, 1999, in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. He worked as a carpenter all his life building homes, and working in general was his hobby. James was very dedicated to his Lord.

Survivors include his wife, Karen of Sterling, two children, Shana (Doug) Kolb of Rock Falls and James (Amy Mannis) Wetzell of Mount Morris; three stepchildren, Ronnie (Terry) Lilly of Sterling, Pam (John Drew) Buhlman of Rock Falls, and Doug Knebel of Glendale, Arizona; six grandchildren, Corey and Cassandra Kolb, and Shelby, Austin, Dominic, and Savanah; nine stepgrandchildren, Lisa (Danny) Cullen, Jenna and Jessie Lilly, Todd Knebel, Kevin Buhlman, Angela (Chris) Sizemore, Meaghan (Joshua) Coward, Malorie (Kris) Knebel, and Matt Knebel; 15 step-great-grandchildren; and one brother, Jon (Ivernia) Wetzell of Sterling.

He also was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Joyce Trudson, and two stepgrandchildren.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at McDonald Funeral Home, 1002 12th Ave., Rock Falls. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Como Baptist Church, with the Rev. Dalmus Meeks officiating. Burial will be at Oak Knoll Memorial Park in Sterling.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Como Baptist Church, 25059 Como Road, Sterling, IL 61081.