Master and Commander
Posts: 1398
Location: NE Florida | Subject: Sunday Obits
https://www.facebook.com/ussvi.eternalpatrol/
The above link goes to the USSVI (United States Submarine Veterans, Inc.) Facebook page where their members who have gone on “Eternal Patrol” are noted.
I’ll keep my work here going, trying to get others who were not USSVI members. You’re encouraged to look there as well as here! Obviously, there’ll be some I miss and some I duplicate.
WETZEL .. .. .. Nicholas Bain Wetzel passed away on February 14, 2026, at the VA Medical Center Hospice Cottages in Sioux Falls, SD. Interment and services will be private.
He was born at home on January 9, 1941, in Moweaqua, IL to Zanta "Bain" and Dorothy (Sanders) Wetzel, the youngest of six and the only boy. Nick graduated from Tower Hill High in Illinois in 1959 and then attended LeTourneau College pursuing a degree in Mechanical Science. Nick honorably served in the Navy on the USS Triton nuclear submarine. His nuclear experience brought him to Cedar Rapids where he worked at Duane Arnold Energy Center in Palo for ten years. He then returned to the sea, working as an engineer on oil tankers for Sabine Towing for 15 years and then 15 years as Chief Engineer for Ameristar Casinos.
Nick loved all things mechanical and spent many happy hours in his shop working on his latest salvage title vehicle listening to country music while the wood stove "Smokey Joe" kept the garage warm. He loved to work with his hands and loved teaching others how to do the same. Nick was a lifelong learner especially interested in science, new discoveries and how things worked. He loved explaining how things worked to others, usually accompanied by a stack of pictures of engines about 5 inches tall. He held a deep belief in reincarnation and loved to share his beliefs with others, even when they didn't want to hear it. Most of all, Nick loved to tell stories. He always had a funny story or a joke to share. He loved to laugh and to make others laugh. At any gathering, you wanted to be near him, because that was where the fun was happening. He loved his neighbors and often spoke of how grateful he was for them. He loved his extended family and attending Wetzel family reunions to hear and share all of the news. He loved his kids, always, no matter what.
Nick is survived by his children, Ben Wetzel, Sarah Thompson and Seth Wetzel; grandchildren, Hannah (Drew) Johnson, Rhett (Caitlyn) Thompson, Sarai, Willow and Christopher Wetzel, his first wife Judith Wetzel and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
BINGHAM .. .. .. Franklin P. Bingham, 95, of South Whitehall Twp., died Saturday, February 7, 2026 at EverTrue Luther Crest, South Whitehall Twp. He was the husband to the late Marilyn M. (McKinnis) Bingham, his loving and caring wife of 67 years, who recently passed away on January 16, 2026. Born in Slippery Rock, Pa, on Memorial Day, May 30, 1930, he was the son of the late John H. and Lois (Heyl) Bingham. He graduated from Slippery Rock Campus High School and Grove City College with a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering. He retired from Air Products and Chemicals, where he worked for 31 years. He served in the US Navy Submarine service on The USS Cobbler SS 344. He also worked for IBM in their Development Labs. He was a member of the Instrument Society of America, where he served as past president of the Lehigh Chapter of Society. He was a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church of Allentown. He served on the church boards as a Deacon, Trustee, and an Elder. He also volunteered at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Cedar Crest for over 25 years. He was a sports fan of Penn State sports, Pittsburgh Steelers and the Philadelphia Flyers.
Survivors: son James F. and his wife Susan of Yardley, Pa; daughter Debra S., and her husband Anthony Mastropieri of Cetronia, Pa; grandchildren Francis J. Bingham, Amanda S. Bingham and Leila A. Mastropieri; great granddaughters Freyja Bingham and Aurelia Bingham and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother John H. Jr., and sister Emily Overmeyer.
Edited by Coyote 2026-02-22 3:24 PM
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Sunday Obits
