Charles G. Chuck Wetzel Jr., 88, of Grand Island, NE, died Tuesday, June 25, 2013, at the Grand Island Veterans Home. Services will be Saturday, June 29, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Marys Cathedral. The Rev. Richard L. Piontkowski Jr. will be the celebrant. Burial will be in Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery with military honors provided by the United Veterans Honor Guard and the U.S. Army Honor Team. Visitation will be Friday, June 28, 2013, from 4 7 p.m. at Curran Funeral Chapel with a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. Curran Funeral Chapel is assisting the family. Chuck was born April 7, 1925, at Grand Island, NE. He was the son of Charles G and Matilda (Schroeder) Wetzel. Survivors of the immediate family include his sons and daughter-in-law, Tom Wetzel of Virginia Beach, VA Jim and Pam Wetzel of Grand Island, NE Daughters and sons-in-law, Jackie and Tom Bigley of Grand Island, NE Barb and Dennis Schuett of Omaha, NE A brother, Howard Wetzel of Grand Island, NE A sister and brother-in-law, Joan and Ken Patrick of Grand Island, NE Others left to cherish his memory include his grandchildren, Chad Wetzel, Jessica and husband Ryan Becker, Cole Wetzel, Jasmine Wetzel, Shawn Wetzel, Tia Wetzel, Tyler Wetzel, Shayla Bigley, Jamie Bigley, Brandon Schuett and his wife Kayla, Sam Schuett, and a great grandson, Landon Becker. Chuck grew up in Grand Island receiving his education at Grand Island Sr. High School. His junior year of high school he was drafted by the New York Giants as a Shortstop. His father insisted he graduate so he didnt let him sign a contract. He graduated in 1943 and began serving his country in the U.S. Army on September 7, 1943, serving in the Artillery Division, in France and Germany until his honorable discharge on February 5, 1946. He returned to Grand Island and began his career in the wholesale beer industry working with his father at Dick Brothers. He married Josephine Owens on February 12, 1949, at Grand Island, NE. They made their home in Grand Island. In the early 1950s Chuck, his brother Howard and sister Joan established Wetzel Distributing Inc. He retired as President of the company in 1993. Mrs. Wetzel died April 2, 2003. Chuck enjoyed traveling with his wife, watching his grandchildrens sporting and school events, playing pitch and drinking a beer. He was a member of St. Marys Cathedral, the Platt-Duetsche Society, American Legion, V.F.W., and Knights of Columbus. Memorials are suggested to St. Marys Cathedral or to Grand Island Central Catholic. He is welcomed into heaven by his parents, his wife, Josephine, and a brother Donald. Online condolences may be given at www.curranfuneralchapel.com under Mr. Wetzels obituary.