Bradley R. Wetjen

Bradley (Brad) R. Wetjen, 81, of Rocky Grove, passed away very peacefully at home with his family by his side on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. He bravely and courageously fought cancer for the past year. 

Brad was born on July 24, 1942 in Qew Gardens Hospital in Queens, New York to William (Billy) and Geraldine (Snyder) Wetjen. At the age of four, his family moved back to the Franklin area, then permanently to Sugarcreek. Brad became the local paperboy and enjoyed visiting with his paper families. 

He was married July 9, 1966 to the former Joyce Carter of Dempseytown in Lamey E.U.B. Church. They would have celebrated 58 years of marriage. 

Brad graduated from Rocky Grove High School in 1960. He joined the U.S. Army Reserves in 1964 and was honorably discharged in 1969. After various jobs, Brad was hired at the former CPT in Franklin and worked there until his department was closed. He then went to work at Franklin Steel (now Franklin Industries) until his retirement at the age of 62. 

Dedication and commitment to His Lord was very important to Brad. He was an active member of Rocky Grove Avenue Presbyterian Church where he had served as a Trustee, Ordained Elder and Deacon, Financial Secretary, and for many years sang in the church choir. Brad's strong faith in the Lord was displayed in the way he lived his life and put his trust in Him. 

His hobbies included hunting and fishing with his buddies, John Klinger and Dave Highfield. He enjoyed deer hunting with his grandson, Aaron Wetjen, as well. Brad loved filling his bird and hummingbird feeders and watching for them to partake. He could be found sitting on his porch swing waiting for the hummingbirds to return each spring. Brad especially enjoyed working on his flower beds, yard, and raised garden bed, made by his son-in-law, Derry. 

In addition to his wife, Joyce, he is survived by his son, Todd (Jamie) Wetjen of Rocky Grove, and his daughter, Holly (Derry) Hetrick of Clarion. He was a proud grandpa to Brooke (Christian) Rubbe, Ryan Reynolds (Erica Blandin), Mallory Wetjen, and Aaron Wetjen. He dearly loved his great-grandson, Cooper Rubbe. Also surviving are his step-grandchildren, Matt (Alex) Hetrick of Clarion and their children Tensley and Easton, Jeremy Hetrick, and Erica Hetrick. Additional survivors include his sister-in-law, Dianne Wetjen of Marco Island, FL; nephew, Eric (Melissa) Wetjen and their family of Sherborn, MA; brothers-in-law Bob (Ann) Carter of Dempseytown and Terry (Marie) Sutton of Williamsville, NY; and sisters-in-law Twila (Enos) Wengerd of Angola, IN, June Carter of Rocky Grove; and Ann Carter of Owego, NY. He is further survived by several nieces and nephews from the Carter families. 

Brad was preceded in death by his parents, Billy and Gerry, and his brother, Alan Wetjen of Marco Island, FL. 

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Huff-Guthrie Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc.,  312 West Park Street, Franklin where family and friends will be welcome from 3:00-7:00 PM Friday. 

The V.E.T.S Honor Guard will render full military honors at the conclusion of visitation on Friday evening at 7:00 P.M. 

The funeral service will be held at Rocky Grove Avenue Presbyterian Church, 321 Rocky Grove Avenue, Franklin, PA at 11:00 AM Saturday with Rev. Joseph Martin officiating.

Interment will be made at Franklin Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Rocky Grove Avenue Presbyterian Church, 321 Rocky Grove Avenue, Franklin, PA 16323; Community Ambulance, 1010 Buffalo Street, Franklin, PA 16323; or VNA of Franklin, 491 Allegheny Blvd., Franklin, PA 16323.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.HuffGuthrie.com.