Lysle William “Bill” Wettstead, age 88, Crete, passed away July 10, 2025 in Crete. Life began in Fairmont, on the kitchen table, on May 16, 1937, oldest son of Lysle E. and Veronica (DeBoer) Wettstead. He graduated as a Regent’s Scholar in 1955, but chose the Air Force instead, as a way to see the world. His C.O. was Chuck Yeager, yes, that Chuck Yeager. He married his high school sweetheart, Beverly Slaughter, while on leave in 1956, before being sent to France. She then joined him for an extended honeymoon of 2 years, living off base in Nice. They celebrated 57 years of marriage before Bev’s passing.
They returned to the U.S. to begin a family. Jeri, Brad, Laurie, Amy and Jennifer rounded out that endeavor, followed by 2 grandsons, Ross, and Grayson. After living in Colorado for a time, they settled back in Fairmont, wanting to be near his beloved sister, Poodge, and brother Bob, and their families. Trucking was ingrained in his life as his father was in the trucking industry. He began dispatching for a new trucking company, Crete Carrier Corporation, eventually moving to Crete. After 20 years of dedicated service, he decided it was time to travel. He and Bev wore out two RVs – only missing Alaska (they flew to Hawaii.)
Not one to be idle, he bought an 18-wheeler and got paid to travel! His truck was custom painted, unique like its owner. When not trucking, he was gardening (first tomato was always important!), sharing the bounty with friends and neighbors. He spent time tinkering in the garage creating unique works of art, setting up outstanding Christmas displays which brought him and many in Crete much joy, winemaking, cooking, being a dedicated Husker’s fan, gathering with family for good food, and generally always learning and doing something new. And in the evening, you may have enjoyed a glass of bourbon with him too.
He was quite the storyteller with a flair for embellishment. Known for his colorful language and sarcastic wit, you never saw him without his trademark Hawaiian shirts. He truly embraced life. Bill had a love of classic cars and trucks which he instilled in his son Brad. His love of travel and adventure was passed on to his girls, Laurie in particular. Jeri is the one who truly carries on his commitment to family and willingness to always lend a hand.
He began working with the Frew boys as a corn and soybean harvest driver. He looked forward to helping them, driving anytime the opportunity arose. He was fascinated with the advanced technology used in modern agriculture. He also enjoyed making use of some of the obsolete technology in his art projects, courtesy of the Frews.
Later years were spent with an ever-present NYT or LA crossword puzzle, an ink pen close at hand. Many 1000-piece jigsaw puzzles were put together. Feeding the manybirds that flocked to his yard was a favorite past time. Engrossed in a murder mystery or a hard-boiled detective novel also kept him engaged. But at 4:30 you always knew whathe’d be doing – Jeopardy! – he was a master, answering his final question on July 10, 2025.
Preceded in death by his parents, Lysle E. and Veronia (DeBoer) Wettstead; sibling Robert E. Wettstead; wife Beverly Ann (Slaughter) Wettstead; daughters Amy C. Wettstead and Jennifer L. Wettstead. He is survived by his sister Poodge (Geraldine) Reed of Lincoln; sisters-in-law Bonnie Wettstead of Lincoln and Claudette Slaughter of Pueblo, CO; daughter Jeri L. Coudeyras and partner Dan Strehle of Crete; son Bradley J. Wettstead of Friend; daughter Laurie A. Wettstead and husband Julio L. Viterbo of Chicago; grandsons Ross R. Coudeyras and partner Katie Sjuts of Lincoln, Grayson Hibler of Lincoln; and we can’t forget Gertie, his feline companion; plus many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A Celebration of Bill’s Life will be held at Veterans and Friends, 130 W. 13th St. in Crete, Nebraska, July 26, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. Colorful clothing (think Hawaiian shirts) would be quite appropriate. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the family for later designation in Bill’s memory. Condolences may be left at trumpmemorials.com. Trump Funeral Services, 1600 West “O” Street, Lincoln.
HE WILL BE MISSED.
Condolences may be left at trumpmemorials.com. Trump Funeral Services, 1600 West “O” Street, Lincoln.
My sympathies to Bill’s family. When I cut Bill’s hair, he mostly wanted to talk about his family. Second was his gardening love. I will miss Bill in many ways. However, he and Bev will live on through their children.
With a grateful heart and admiration I’m thankful for Bill Wettstead. Although I never knew him I did know Laurie when she lived in WA. and to this day she is truly a beautiful soul and his legacy is alive and well in his family. This world is a better place because of Bev and Bill. Keeping their family and loved ones in my thoughts and prayers.
Vern and I send sincere condolences to you. They had just moved back to Fairmont when we moved there in 1970. There were a whole fun crowd of that town who welcomed us with open arms and Bev and Bill were 2 of them! Wonderful memories of you all as we spent many hours in Bev’s kitchen and the Legion as well. We are so glad they were some of the people who joined us for a while on our journey. Sharon and Vern Johnson