David Paul Wetch's Obituary
Sgt David Paul Wetch, 61 of Tacoma died peacefully in his home after a courageous battle with Multiple Sclerosis. He was born in Tacoma, WA on February 1st 1957, and graduated from Mount Tahoma HS in 1976. He enlisted in the Army right out of high school and served our great country for 22 years 4 months and 13 days in both the Army and National Guard. He earned many medals and ribbons for his service. During those years he traveled all over the world, Korea and Germany being amongst his favorite places. He told some amazing stories of his adventures. While in Germany he gained the title as “Der Partymeister” for being known to host the most epic parties. To this day he is still referred to as just that. He built a family there with Josie and their daughter. In 1992 he moved his family to WA. He experienced so much life with the Army and truly was something he was passionate about. During his service in the National Guard, he also worked as a Boiler Maker at Coastline Fabricators for a few years with his younger brothers.
Once out of the National Guard, his battle with MS was something that took a lot from him physically, yet he never had a negative outlook on life. This debilitating disease also opened up new doors for him. He began a MS website and discussion board to help those struggling with MS, and give a place to those with MS to come together. He also was invited to teach lectures at the University of Washington about the disease from an inside perspective. Those who knew and loved him, watched how he took every negative and NEVER once made it into a “woe is me” but instead used it as a tool to share his faith in God. His outlook on life was always positive, thinking of everyone else before himself and finding ways to continue to serve others in any way that he could. He defied the odds many times and was truly a miracle. He lived life to his fullest. Even tho he is greatly missed, we find comfort knowing he is whole again, pain free and able to do anything without limitations in Heaven.
Dave is preceded in death by his parents Paul Wetch and Janice Wetch, his sister-in-law Susanne Wetch, and his brother Michael Wetch. He is survived by his daughter, Marlenë Towers, his two grandchildren (Avery and Hannah), his son-in-law Dominik Towers, his brother Brian Wetch, his sisters Deborah Hyde and Paula Wetch, nieces, nephews, and a mountain of friends near and far. He will always be remembered for his faith, humor, love, strength and courage.
Please join us on April 14th for a celebration of David at the Lakes Moose Family Center 4220 109th St SW Lakewood, Washington 98499 at 4pm. Celebrating the way he would have loved to be remebered as the Partymeister he was. We also welcome family and friends to the Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent on April 20th at 12:30pm for a special service. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the MS Foundation so that one day we can find a cure.
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