CDR Donald T. Wetters, 75, of Waterloo, died Aug. 13, 2024, in St. Louis. He was born July 14, 1949, in Washington, D.C.

Don grew up in Cañon City, Colo., and left home at age 17 to enter the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. After assignments in Virginia, Alaska and San Fransisco, Calif., he met his wife, Brenda Mehrtens, in Monterey, Calif., while he was in grad school at the Naval postgraduate school. He always said, “Where else would a girl from Illinois and guy from Colorado meet except in California.” 

They traveled and did life together for 46 years moving from Governor’s Island N.Y., to Miami, Fla., to Topeka, Kan., back to New York, to headquarters in D.C., and finally finishing up in the St. Louis District office. After 26 years he retired from the U.S. Coast Guard as a Commander.

He enjoyed everything about the last 35 years on the “farm” he called Wettersville, even the battle with the honeysuckle. He was so proud of his four kids and all 11 grandchildren. He loved participating in all their activities and enjoyed playing cards and Wii sports with them. With friends, he liked playing pinochle and kloepper. 

He left a wonderful legacy to his children and grandchildren to never give up, stand strong in their faith, and trust in the Lord. Deuteronomy 31:6.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years (married Nov 18,1 977), Brenda K. Wetters (nee Mehrtens); sons and daughter Kyle (Molly) Wetters, Nathan (Cara) Wetters, Kindra (Bret) Hughes and Noah (Courtney) Wetters; grandchildren Natalie, Lucas, Everett, Payton, Hunter, Marie, Goodwin, Boden, Wade, Lennon and Bryson; brothers and sisters Ron (Betty) Wetters, Lynn (Angela) Wetters, Judi (Dave) Paxton and Janet Smith; mother-in-law Arline Mehrtens; sister-in-law Barbara (Steve) Stapczynski; nieces, nephews and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents Norris (Alma) Wetters and Valeria (Ransie) Wingo; father-in-law Merle Mehrtens; and brother Jerry Pontius.

Visitation is noon until time of service Aug. 17 at Quernheim Funeral Home in Waterloo.

A funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Ron Imm officiating.

Interment will be at St. John Cemetery – Fults.

Memorials may be made to: Stepping Stone Missions; or Fults Cemetery Fund.