Esther C. Wetzel, 94 of Rochelle, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 19, 2010 at Rochelle Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center. She was born on Nov. 6, 1915 in Rochelle, IL to Edward and Ella (Schlie) Eckhardt. Esther married Harold William Wetzel on Feb. 26, 1939 in Rochelle
and he preceded her on Aug. 16, 1988. She was also preceded by two sisters, Ruth Ellis and Eleanor Kinn.
Esther was employed by Kroger in Rochelle where she was known as the "dairy" lady prior to retiring at age 60. She was a member of the Rochelle United Methodist Church.

Survivors include son: Harold W. "Corky" (Linda) Wetzel of Rochelle; daughter: Judy
(Ronald) Sassaman of Rochelle; brother: Bob (Jackie) Eckhardt of Rochelle; 4 sisters:
Bernice (Darrell) Richardson of Rochelle, Phyllis Hoffman of Des Plaines, IL, Betty (Paul) Baker of Rockford and Bernita (Shannon) Freeman of Rockford;
4 grandchilden: Shawn (Jessica) Wetzel of Cincinati, OH, Michael (Shannon) Wetzel of Elgin, IL, Kimberly (Greg) Burgess of Rochelle and Sherri (Kevin) Smith of Holcomb; 7 great grandchildren: Ben and Matt Wetzel, Audrey Wetzel, Kyle and Cody Smith and Tara and Alec Burgess.

Services will be at Unger-Horner Funeral Home in Rochelle, on Monday, Aug. 23, 2010 at 11:00 AM with Rev. Brett Todd. Visitation will be at Unger-Horner prior to the service Monday at 10:00 AM. Burial at Lawnridge Cemetery. Memorials to Hub City Senior Center.