Judge George P. Wetzel, Sr.

The Honorable Judge George P. Wetzel, Sr., age 93, of Little Falls, MN, passed away Saturday, September 20, 2014 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 23, 2014, at St. Marys Catholic Church in Little Falls, MN, with Fr. Joe Herzing officiating.Interment with military honors will be in Calvary Cemetery in Little Falls, MN.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 8:00 p.m. Monday, September 22nd and 10:00 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 23rd all at Emblom Brenny Funeral Service in Little Falls.

Judge George P. Wetzel, Sr. passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family.He was the son of the late Earl and Frances (Fortier) Wetzel.George was born on March 3, 1921 in Little Falls, MN.After graduating from high school, he attended the University of Minnesota.During law school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps as our country entered World War II.He fought bravely in the Battle of Iwo Jima and witnessed the famous flag raising on Mt. Suribachi.After the war, he returned to the University of Minnesota and completed law school.He practiced law in Little Falls with his uncle Charles Fortier, and for a short time in Wadena.

In 1950, George joined the FBI and worked in Tennessee, New York City, and Alaska.He returned to Little Falls in 1954 and resumed the practice of law.He served two terms in the Minnesota State Legislature representing Morrison County from 1956 to 1960.

In 1971, George was appointed to the bench as Probate Judge for Morrison County.Shortly thereafter, he was appointed Morrison County Judge and later, 7th District Judge.He served on the bench until his retirement in 1987.For several years after, he worked as a part-time judge filling vacancies across the 7th Judicial District.

Throughout his life, George was an avid sports fan and duck hunter.Most of all, he loved time spent with his family.

George is survived by his wife, Erna Mae (Meyer) Wetzel; his five children, Denise (Alan) Langworthy, George P. Wetzel, Jr., Michel (Jodi) Wetzel, Sr., Valerie (Anthony) Kula and Antoinette Toni Wetzel; and his eight loving grandchildren, Michel Wetzel, Jr., Joseph Kula, Paige Wetzel, Shannon Tracy, Molly Kula, Holly Brown, Elizabeth Kula, and Thomas Kula.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl Frances (Fortier) Wetzel, Sr.; and two brothers, John Wetzel, Sr.and Dr. Earl Wetzel, Jr.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Flyer Athletic Boosters (FAB).