Colonel Albert John "Red" Wetzel, 91, of New Orleans, died Saturday, December 26, 2009. Col. Wetzel was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on 29 December 1917 to Emelie Willoz Wetzel and Albert John Wetzel. He is survived by His wife of 63 years, Helen Wetzel and sister Marion Morgan of Atlanta, GA, son Albert J. Wetzel Jr, of New Orleans; daughters Elizabeth Wetzel McCormick of The Woodlands, TX, Joan Wetzel of New Orleans and son E. Russell Wetzel of Madison, AL. Grandchildren John Wetzel, Franklin Wetzel and Peter Wetzel of Madison, AL; Son-in-Law Eugene F. McCormick of The Woodlands,TX and Daughter in law Janet Wetzel of Madison AL. Col. Wetzel attended St. Alphonse and St Matthias Elementary Schools. He was a member of the class of 1934 of Jesuit High School which he attended on an academic scholarship. Col. Wetzel was admitted into the Tulane University School of Engineering on an Alumni Scholarship. While at Tulane he was a Member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity, United States Marine Corp Platoon Leaders Program, as well as Engineering Student Body President. He was graduated from Tulane in 1939. Col. Wetzel joined the United States Army Reserve and was called to active duty and received a commission in early 1941. In the year 1957, Col. Wetzel was selected to run the Titan (I and II) Missile Program as a part of the Western Development Division in Los Angeles, later Ballistic Missile Division. It was during this time that he earned the title "Mr. Titan". Col. Wetzel retired from military service in 1965. With a loving wife and 4 small children, Col. Wetzel then commenced his career with Tulane University as Director of Research and Special Programs, continuing through a 25 year career to his post as Vice President for Development, Vice President for Alumni Affairs and Advisor to the President. During this time he served as an advisor to the Presidents Scientific Advisory Council (PSAC). Col Wetzel retired from Tulane with the title of Emeritus-Vice President. Col. Wetzel was known for his irrepressible optimism, commitment to duty, faith and family. His Military decorations were numerous and included the Legion of Merit. He was a recipient of the Papel Order-Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, He was member of the United States Air Force Space Hall of Fame, The Paul Tulane Society, Chairman, Tulane Univ. Emeritus Society, Tulane Engineering Hall of Fame, The Order of St Louis, Veterans of Foreign Wars, National Eagle Scout Organization, A Board Member of the Walter Teagle Foundation, Board Member of the Crippled Children's Hospital, The Council on Music and the Performing arts, Conseil pour le développement du français en Louisiane (CODOFIL), He was appointed by Mayor Victor Schiro as a Trustee of the Delgado College Board. Col Wetzel was President Emeritus, Member and founding Director of the New Orleans Catholic Foundation, Board of Directors of the Girl Scouts of America, Rotary International (Paul Harris Fellow), a Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, a commissioner of the Louisiana Educational Television Authority, Vice President of the New Orleans Area Chamber of Commerce, Air Force Association, The Navy League, Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society, Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society, Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society, Order Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem (Knight Comdr. with star), Knight of Malta. Col Wetzel was a member of the University Club (New York), Army Navy Club (Washington, DC), The Plimsoll Club, The Bienville Club and the International House.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a Funeral Mass at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 6367 St. Charles Ave. on Wednesday December 30, 2009 at 12 Noon. Visitation at the church Wednesday morning from 10:00 AM until funeral time. Following the mass, ther will be a reception at Lambeth House, 150 Broadway. Interment will follow in Arlington National Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to the benevolent organization of your choice.
To view and sign the family guest book, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com