Charles W. Wetzel

Charles W. Wetzel passed away suddenly on Sunday, November 19 at his home. Born in Gettysburg, PA on January 19, 1951, he was the son of Birdie (Plank) Bryan and the late Kenneth Wetzel, Sr.

Charles was survived by his wife of 55 years, Sharon (Hoover) Wetzel; 2 sons Mike Wetzel & wife Stacy and Ben Wetzel & wife Vicki; 6 grandchildren, Tyler, Spencer, Grace, Ella, Mia, and Benson, 2 brothers Kenneth Wetzel Jr. & wife Peggy, Carl Wetzel & wife Linda, 2 sisters Elizabeth Mummert & husband David and Rebecca Weikert, and a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by sister Anna Nye, husband Melvin.

Charlie's story is a great story of hard work, drive, and ambition. He began working at the age of 14 for Kennie's Market in Gettysburg, and by the age of 19 was running a new store that Kennie's had acquired in Hanover, PA. By 1973 he had purchased the store and began operating for himself. By the early 80's he had purchased a new tract of land and built a new store. In 1985 he sold the new location to the wholesaler he purchased goods from and bought a new store in Glen Rock, PA. Over the next 32 years and several remodels and expansions he continued to operate the store and also acquired and operated 3 additional convenience stores in the area. In 2017 the grocery store was closed, however the 3 convenience stores continue to operate and thrive.

Over the last 50 years, hundreds of people have gained their first work experience working for Charlie. Charlie always did all he could to help the local area's organizations.

Throughout all of his perseverance and hard work, he also managed to grow and love his family, instilling his values and virtues into them through many (and sometimes a bit unfortunate) life lessons. Those who were close to Charlie knew despite his authority, they could always count on his warm heart and contagious smile and laugh. Charlie enjoyed playing softball, bowling, and singing in his church choir. He was a great brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He will be missed by many.

A celebration of life will be held on Monday, November 27th at 11 AM at the Hanover Church of the Brethren. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation be made in his name to his church- Hanover Church of the Brethren, 601 Wilson Ave, Hanover, PA 17331.