TEWKSBURY--Rev. Leo Wetzel, OMI, 81, died suddenly on Friday, May 11th, at Saints Medical Center, in Lowell. A native of Thurmont, Maryland, Fr. Wetzel was the son of Ernest and Nora (Hartdagen) Wetzel. He attended schools in nearby Emmitsburg, MD.
He entered the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate in September of 1945. His final vows were pronounced in September of 1949 in Essex, NY. On June 2, 1952 he was ordained to the priesthood in Washington, DC by Bishop Arsene Turquetil, OMI.
Fr. Wetzel served in many places during his 55 years as an Oblate, including the National Shrine in Washington, DC. He was Superior/Director at the Oblate Provincial House in Boston, MA, followed by a term as Superior/Director of the Oblate Novitiate in Tewksbury, MA which is now known as the Immaculate Heart of Mary Residence.
He also did parish work for many years, including two terms at Immaculate Conception Parish in Lowell from 1956-61 and again from 1990 to 1994. In September of 1994, he went to Sacred Heart Parish in Lowell where he remained until retirement in 2000. At that time, and due to failing health,
Fr. Wetzel moved to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Residence in Tewksbury where his sibling, Bro. Earl Wetzel, OMI also resided. He remained there until his death.
Fr. Wetzel was predeceased by four brothers, Raymond, Paul, Carl, and Bro. Earl Wetzel, OMI and three sisters, Mary, Ruth and Eileen.
All services will be in the Chapel at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Residence, 486 Chandler Street, Tewksbury. Calling hours will be on Wednesday, May 16th from 4 to 8 PM with a Prayer Service at 7:30 PM. The Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, May 17th at 10:30 AM. Burial will take place in the Oblate Cemetery at 486 Chandler Street. Donations in memory of Father Wetzel may be made to the Oblate Infirmary Fund, 486 Chandler Street, Tewksbury, MA 01876-2849.