Donald R. Wettstein

Donald Russell Wettstein, was relieved from his many years of pain and suffering at 3:37 A.M. on June 19, 2023. He fought till the absolute end because he was a very stubborn and strong man. Anyone who knew him, knows this.

Don grew up in Millville, NJ born to Carlton and Carolyn on March 25, 1943. He was a brother to Richard, Raymond, Ronald and Carol (Lemos). Don had two children, Bryan Wettstein (Connie) and Sherry Heil (Paul Heil) , three grandchildren, Mallory Canale (Will), Christian Heil and Carter Heil and one great-grandson Vincent Canale. He was also an Uncle to many nieces and nephews.

In Don’s earlier years, he enjoyed sports such as football, basketball and baseball. He graduated from Millville Senior High School in the class of ’61 and enjoyed summers in Avalon with family and friends. After high school, he joined the NJ National Guard where he would repair radios in tanks. He would have jobs working at Wheatons and at Dupont where he worked as an electrician. He became the father to Bryan in May 1967. He would then marry Linda Kugler on August 4, 1973 and would have a daughter Sherry. He met Linda on a blind date and discovered they had the same Birthday (March 25th), but were seven years apart. They hosted many family Thanksgivings in their home to the entire Wettstein Clan.

In later years, Don became quite the outdoorsman. He was an avid bow and rifle hunter and enjoyed fishing as well. He was one of the founders of the South Jersey Sportsman Jamboree, an event held every fall that showcased hunting/bow/rifle clubs, artists and various demonstrations of archery and hunting skills. He loved the outdoors so much and in his later years spent much time caring for his yard, the furry visitors and his favorite, the hummingbirds. After retiring from Dupont after 35 years, he began working at CCVT and would attend culinary classes there. Don was a huge Nascar/Jimmy Johnson Fan and would spend the colder months cheering on the Eagles. He enjoyed going to breakfast with friends and family and could often be seen visiting Jim’s Lunch, Lynn’s and Shannon’s. He and Sherry would have breakfast dates at Abdils when she was little. He and Linda loved taking day trips to Lancaster and eating at the Lobster House in Cape May. Don was also very proud of his grandchildren’s accomplishments and would be there to cheer them on.

The family has opted for a private grieving process through the wishes of Don and Linda.