June 8th,1942 - July 13,2022

Jerome (Jerry) A. Wetzstein, 80, died Wednesday, July 13,2022 in his home with family following a struggle with cancer. His memorial service will be at 11:00, August 6, at Rose Hills Memorial Park, the Sky Rose Chapel in Whittier. A reception/celebration of life will follow at Rio Hondo Golf Club in Downey 1 to 4 pm. Arrangements are with Miller Mies Funeral Home in Downey CA.

Jerry was born on June 8th,1942 to Adam and Lorraine Wetzstein in North Dakota. He became a Future Farmer of America when his family moved to MN. His goals were center around raising his prize pig, basketball, and his Harley motorcycle in High School.

He left farm life to become a Marine and served between 1961-1965. Being a soldier also included acquiring electrical skills and joining a scuba diving unit in Japan.

After the service, he attended and graduated with a BA from Mankato State College MN. Jerry met Connie at college and married in September of 1968. He continued his education getting his Masters in International Business from Arizona State. Learning to speak Japanese, helped him to get a job with Mitsui company as international commodities broker in Los Angeles. He later became a restaurant owner of two H Salt Chip restaurants and the Brooklyn Deli in San Pedro. In 1983, he decided to be a Health and Life Insurance agent and broker. Helping people to get medical services has been his passion for 39 years. He moved to Downey in 1983 with his wife and two boys, Daniel and Jeffrey. The last career change gave him time to be with his children and attend their sports and school events. He nurtured and guided his family.

Jerry has been an active member of the Kiwanis Club in South Gate and then in Downey since 1985. He has been the president of the Downey Kiwanis Foundation for the last 10 years. Jerry has always been a kind and compassionate person. He would frequently say,” Put yourself in their shoes.”

His grandchildren, Natalie and Daniel, have been his pride and joy. Playing toy cars with Daniel or doing a word search puzzle with Natalie, are precious memories.

Jerry loved his family, his community and his country.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Connie; son: Jeffrey (Rebecca); grandchildren: Natalie and Daniel. He is also survived by his siblings: Ellen (LeRoy) Bergman and Arnold Wetzstein.