Mr. Chester J. Wetsig

Mr. Chester J. Wetsig, age 90, of Utica, passed away on Tuesday, October 19, 2010. Born in Herrings, NY on July 29, 1920, Chester was one of eight children born to the late Leon and Anna (Alescyzk) Westig. He was raised and educated in Carthage, NY, where he graduated from high school in 1939. In 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served his country as a paratrooper in France and Holland during World War II. He was a good Army Sergeant, and soldiers who served under him during the war remember him as a natural leader. He was known to look after his soldiers and was often found cleaning his soldiers’ guns in the middle of the night. He was a soldier’s soldier, and well respected by his peers and military leaders in his regiment. His platoon leadership during the Normandy campaign earned him a battlefield commission to 2nd Lieutenant, which he retained after the conclusion of the war. He earned a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for his efforts during World War II. On September 8, 1946 he was joined in marriage to the former Irene Margaret Mealus with whom he shared 63 years prior to her passing on July 27, 2010. Chet worked for Crown Zellerbach Paper Company in Carthage, NY until 1957 when he returned to active duty with the U.S. Army to attend a one-year training program at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. The following year, he was hired by General Electric to work on military contracts in support of the Vietnam War, a position he held until his retirement in 1984. Chet was an avid outdoorsman and gardener throughout his life. As a member of a hunting camp on the Oswegatchie River in northern New York, he spent many weekends relaxing and deer hunting with his fellow club members. For many years, Chet and Irene wintered in Gulf Shores, Alabama and traveled extensively in the United States while attending the annual 101st Airborne reunions. They also enjoyed numerous trips to France, England, Belgium and Morocco. Chester is survived by his daughter, Lorelei “Laurie” Francis and her husband, Thomas A. Francis. Always close to his heart was the memory of his son, Stephen C. Wetsig, who preceded him in death on June 8, 2004. He also leaves his grandchildren, Stephanie K. Francis, and Jeremy A. Francis and his wife, Laurie (Doughty) Francis; his sisters, Helen Garnsey, and Frances Harris; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws. He was predeceased by his brothers, John, Edward, Joseph, and Frank; and his sister, Jenny. The family honored and celebrated Chester’s life in a private gathering. Arrangements were entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Mr. Chester J. Wetsig

July 29, 1920 - October 19, 2010