Orrene Kay Wetzel, age 85, of Abilene passed away on November 22, 2024. She was born on May 26, 1939 in Kingman, KS, the daughter of Orrin and Olave Condit. When Orrene was a toddler, her family moved to Abilene, where she attended school and graduated from Abilene High School in 1957.
Abilene remained Orrene’s home throughout her life. Out of high school, Orrene worked at Home Securities Company, where she was set up on a blind date with Kenny Wetzel and the two were united in marriage on July 12, 1959. Orrene and Kenny were married for 59 years until Kenny’s death in 2018.
In 1963, Orrene went to work at the Abilene Family Care Clinic and over the course of 46 years, worked for Doctors Chaffee, Mohler, Berkley, Rorabaugh, Sheern and Holmes as a Medical Secretary and Insurance clerk, retiring in 2009.Orrene was preceded in death by her husband, Kenny Wetzel; sister Connie Stirtz, brother-in-law Ned Stirtz; brother-in-law Steve Anguiano; and great-granddaughter Raelyn Shute. Orrene is survived by her sons; Kurt (Sandy) of Shawnee; Keith (Angie) of Topeka; grandchildren Sarah (Caleb), Emma (Sam), Zach, Bethany (Aden), and Allison; sister-in-law Shirley Anguiano; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Karen and Ron Timm; as well as several nieces and nephews. gave her life to Christ as a youth at Emmanuel Church, where she served on countless committees over the years and remained a faithful steward until her death.
Orrene also had a love of music, ranging from Patti Page and Doris Day, to old fashion Gospel and Broadway Musicals. Orrene’s love of music carried her into the Sweet Adeline’s singing group, along with several years in the Church choir, singing with her dad Orrin and sister Connie. Orrene was also active in Cooking Club, Christian Women’s Club, Bible studies, and a card club with her husband Kenny and several friends.
Orrene will be remembered for her gift of hospitality, her constant smile, a pleasant demeanor, her cooking talents, and enjoyment of being around people, especially family.The family suggests memorials be given to Emmanuel Church.