Ethel Wetschensky

Ethel Elizabeth Wetschensky, 101 years old, died Friday (December 25, 2020) at the Kansas Christian Home in Newton.

She was born on July 8, 1919 in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Edward Everett and Elizabeth Berg Bruner. The family moved to Newton when Ethel was a child where she attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and Newton High School.

After high school, Ethel lived in Victorville, California. She had her own horse and rode in horse shows, she also worked in a photography studio and did some modeling. Ethel got to work a Summer at the Grand Canyon and rode a mule down it.

When she moved back to Kansas, she married Harold Martin Wetschensky on May 2, 1949 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Newton. They adopted two children, Martin and Mary.

They lived on a farm where Ethel loved being able to have dogs and cats. She took in all kinds of animals that didn’t have homes and would find homes for them, before the humane society was available.

Her love for animals and photography continued for many years.

She was a longtime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Through the years Ethel had worked at The Chuck House Restaurant, Graves Drug Store, Horn’s Hallmark Shop and later Wilson’s Drug Store before retiring.  After retiring Ethel and Harold spent time enjoying the mountains around Pinetop, Arizona.

Ethel also had a pen pal in France for 12 years whom she thoroughly enjoyed hearing from.

Survivors include her daughter Mary Elizabeth Collier of Newton; two grandchildren Michael Wetschensky and Shawn Wetschensky; and three great grandchildren Keaton, Lakin and Haley Wetschenseky.

Ethel is preceded in death by her parents; husband Harold on October 12, 2014; son Martin Edward Wetschensky; son-in-law Tom Collier; sister Rosella Widowsky; and brothers Edward and Bertrun Bruner.

The Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held at 9:30 A.M., Thursday (December 31, 2020) followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 A.M., both at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Newton. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Newton.

The casket will be open at the funeral home on Wednesday between 1:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M.

It is requested those attending the viewing and service to follow proper social distancing guidelines.

A memorial has been established with the Kansas Christian Home, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and Caring Hands Humane Society. Contributions may be sent to Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, 120 E. Broadway, Newton, Ks. 67114.

Arrangements are by Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, Newton, Ks.