Condolences for Hugh Wetzel

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In Memory: Hugh Wetzel

Hubert “Hugh” J. Wetzel, 88, of Urbana passed away on December 13, 2013.  There was no service or announcement. His wife, Dottie, suggests memorials may be made to the Illinois 4-H Foundation, 1401 Maryland Dr., Urbana, IL 61801.
 
Hugh was well known in 4-H and Illinois agriculture circles. For nearly 60 years Hugh provided leadership, as State Extension 4-H Youth Development Specialist and after retirement, to 4-H programs coordinated at the University of Illinois and in conjunction with the Cooperative Extension Service that positively influenced thousands of youth and families in the state of Illinois, the nation and the world.
 
His pinnacle achievement was as the founder, with the US Department of Agriculture, of the International 4-H Youth Exchange Program. As Chairman of 4-H International Programs he guided a learning, living and sharing experience for young people abroad. He facilitated a rewarding cultural exchange between 4-H members and the families they stayed with and whole communities both here and abroad. For this and other contributions, like the National 4-H Congress Program Chair, he was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame.  At the time of his induction in 2005, he was only the fifth inductee from the state of Illinois.
 
As a World War II veteran of the Army Air Corps, he served three years as a navigator based in France with the 439^th Troop Carrier Squadron in Chateaudun.
 
Hugh became a member of Alpha Chapter of Alpha Gamma Rho in 1943, seventy years ago. He graduated from the University of Illinois in 1948 and soon after joined the Cooperative Extension staff in Whiteside County. He was a member of the Alpha Alumni Board for seventeen years serving as both Secretary and President. Later, he was instrumental in organizing reunion gatherings of the “older” AGR alums with over 40 year memberships. He was also a Decade Class Chair in the recent Capital Campaign and a regular participant in Homecoming and Founders Day events. The National Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity made him a “Brother of the Century” in honor of its 100th year for his contributions to the fraternity and career achievements.
 
Hugh was a wonderful man with a happy smile, a twinkle in his eye and a friendly greeting to all. He will be missed, but his life can be celebrated for the many contributions he made to his fellow man!

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