Our Stories: John Wetherell

Written by John Wetherell, Published on July 16, 2018

In 1940 or about, I was urged by my mother to attend church at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

At that time, the rector was Father Kennan, who lived in the rectory at Grand Avenue and 42nd Street with his family and son “Pinky”. 

Pinky and I were childhood chums. I sang in the Choir of Men and Boys and was paid 10 cents for streetcar fare.

During junior and  senior high school, college and Navy service, I was disconnected from the church, but was drawn back by an invitation to sing in the choir, then led by Paul Dieke; therefore, rejoining my connection with St. Paul’s.  I kept singing in the choir for about 50 years. 

In the 1960s, my wife Jo and our young children renewed our family relationship to the church.  Jo has been deeply involved with St Paul’s.

Our daughter Ann, who lives in Portland, Ore., is a singer and member of

St. Michaels and All Angels Episcopal Church.  Our son John lives in Des Moines and has also been involved with St. Paul’s.

John went to be with Jesus in August of 2020. He is survived by his wife Joan, his daughter Ann (and her husband Chris), and his son John (and his wife Suzanne). Read his obituary here: John Wetherell Obituary, Des Moines, Iowa :: Iles Funeral Homes