URBANA, IL- Mark Julian Wetzel, 75, of Urbana passed away at 7:30AM, June 6, 2025, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

Memorial services will be held at a later date.  Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory, 1900 Philo Road, Urbana, is assisting the family with cremation arrangements.

Mark was born January 30, 1950, in Morrison, IL, a son of Hubert and Dorothy (Degenkolb) Wetzel.  He married Faith Twietmeyer on November 24, 1973, in Tinley Park, IL.  She survives.  Also surviving are two sons, Blake Robert Julian Wetzel (Kimberly) of Colorado Springs, CO, Paul Michael Julian Wetzel of Urbana; a granddaughter, Julian Wetzel, and four siblings, Wendy Brittain (Rocky) of Tucson, AZ, Doreen Wetzel (Ron) of Nipomo, CA, Melanie Wetzel (Randy) of Chehalis, WA and John Wetzel of Urbana.

Mark was a longtime resident of Urbana, graduating from Urbana High School in 1968 where he played trombone as a member of the Marching Band. His love of music continued throughout his life. He was a member of the local Backyard BBQ Band for many years, playing bass guitar.

Mark received his Bachelor of Science from the Univ. of IL and his Master of Science from Eastern IL Univ.  He worked as a research scientist at the Illinois Natural History Survey for 42 years and continued working there after his retirement as a part-time editor/collections’ specialist until the time of his death.  He was a member of many national and international scientific organizations.  This gave him the opportunity to travel extensively throughout the US and abroad. 

As a youth, he participated in an Explorer Scout program and later became an adult leader for the Boy Scouts of America for many years.  He was a naturalist and an outdoorsman and passed this love of nature on to others.

Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.