BLOSSBURG - John Englert Wetzel, "Grandpa", passed away on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at the age of 79 at his home in Blossburg, PA. with his loving wife by his side.

He was married to Maxine L. "Snooks" (Long), who survives, and together they shared 55 wonderful years.

John was born on January 1, 1944, as the 'New Year Baby' in Jersey Shore, PA and was the son of the late Palmer Tobias and Edna Mae (Englert) Wetzel. John served his country in the United States Navy.

John grew up in Brookside, PA on his family's sheep farm. After his service in the US Navy, he worked in and owned his own business in the logging industry and was a dedicated truck driver. John was still actively driving Tri-Axle hauling coal locally. His hobbies included hunting, shooting pool with his friends, being with family and he was an avid garden-tractor puller, participating in many of the local pulling associations.

In addition to his wife Maxine, he is survived by their five children: Jonathan D. "Duwane" Wetzel (Wendy) of Wellsboro, PA; Anthony T. "Toby" Wetzel (Amanda) of Liberty, PA; Donnie K. Wetzel (Amber) of Luquillo, Puerto Rico; Marshia D. Bohart (Max) of Liberty, PA; and Crystal J. Jackson (Lloyd "Bubba") of Liberty, PA. Their sixteen grandchildren: Tyren, Jonathan, Spencer (Duwane & Wendy); Kimberly, Kevin (Carrie), Kaitlyn (Lathan), Kurtis, Karen (Toby & Amanda); Audrey (Donnie & Amber); Tyler (Taylor) Wetzel, Ethan, Carter (Marshia & Max); Savannah, Evalynne, Livyanna, NevaJo (Crystal & Lloyd). Two great grandchildren: Korinna (Tyler & Taylor); Levi (Kevin & Carrie). His brother Palmer (Sonia) Wetzel of Brookside, PA; and two sisters Ethel Paulhamus of Salladasburg, PA and Sally Martz, of Ohio. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by one daughter-in-law, Lynnette (Knapp) Wetzel.

There will be a gathering of family and friends Saturday December 16th at 12:00pm at the Rearick-Carpenter Funeral Home, 1002 Alleghany St., Jersey Shore where the memorial service will begin at 1:30pm. Private graveside service directly following for the immediate family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ronald McDonald House Charities.