COLUMBUS
Joe Wettschurack passed away peacefully surrounded by family members Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at Traditions Of Columbus in Columbus, Indiana.
A native of Lafayette, Indiana, he was born December 14, 1941, to H. L. (Dick) and Emma Wettschurack, along with his identical twin brother Jan.
Joe graduated from West Lafayette High School and Purdue University, with a Bachelor of Science degree. Following graduation, he served in the United States Army and U. S. Air Force for six years on active and reserve duty.
At Purdue, Joe met Gilda Weber, with whom he celebrated 58 anniversaries following their marriage September 3, 1966.
After graduation, Joe and Gilda moved to Columbus, Indiana, where he began his career with the City of Columbus Parks and Recreation Department. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to start and run JW Construction in 1972, and then purchase Kinney Paper & Chemical Company seven years later, which he operated with his wife and son until retiring.
He volunteered at Meals On Wheels, was a member of Columbus Jaycees, former vice president of Grace Lutheran Church, a current member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, and member of Harrison Lake Country Club, where he thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren.
A proud alum and avid Boilermaker football and basketball fan, Joe was a member of the President’s Council, the Purdue Alumni Club, and both the university and Bartholomew County John Purdue Clubs, enthusiastically supporting the Gold and Black through his life.
His sense of humor, gregarious personality, zest for life, and willingness to help anyone, anytime, drew people to Joe throughout his life. He regaled everyone with stories, jokes, and his unique slant on life events along with personal experiences. In addition to rooting for his beloved Boilermakers at football and basketball games, both home and away, he loved to play golf, ride his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, and fish.
Survivors include his wife, Gilda; son Kevin (Brooke) Wettschurack; daughter Kelly (Matt) Hubbard; grandchildren Hayden Hubbard, Olivia Hubbard, Emma Wettschurack, and Ally Wettschurack; brother Jan (Pat) Wettschurack; sisters-in-law Jayne Hege and Susan Mudge; nieces Stephanie Mudge and Stacy (Trey) Tapke; nephews Darin (Carol) Wettschurack, Erik (Gretchen) Wettschurack, and George Hege; and 13 great nephews and nieces.
The funeral service will be 12:30 p.m. at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 with Pastor Tim Carter officiating. A visitation will be held that day at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Entombment will be held at Garland Brook Cemetery Mausoleum with military honors conducted by the Bartholomew County Veterans Honor Guard.
Memorials may be made through the funeral home to Just Friends, Our Hospice Of South Central Indiana, or Samaritan’s Purse.
Remembrances and condolences can be shared with the Wettschurack family at www.jewellrittman.com.
Arrangements were entrusted to Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home.
