Mildred S. Wetzel, age 85, passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 21, 2017 in her home.  She was born in Kauai, Hawaii, on May 30, 1932 to Toichi and Hana Hamasaki.  She left her home in Hawaii to go to college in Missouri and Idaho and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Education.  She met and married her college love, Bill Wetzel, on December 27, 1952 in Salem, Arkansas.  They made Springfield their home for over 60 years.

Mildred was the heartbeat of our family and she spent her life taking care of all of us.  She never met a stranger and was always loving, kind, respectful, loyal and genuinely interested in the lives of those she loved.  Her brightest stars were her grandchildren, Morgan and Taylor.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Wetzel; her son, Stuart Wetzel; her parents; brother, Clem; and sisters, Sue, Kay, Kiyoko and Em.

She will forever be remembered, loved and missed by her family: daughter, Lani Triplett and husband, Stan; grandchildren, Taylor Triplett and wife, Taylor and Morgan Kate Wetzel; brother, Howard and wife, Bobbie; and many precious lifetime friends.

Graveside services will be held Tuesday, August 29, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the National Cemetery on Seminole.  Those wishing to honor Mildred with a donation may contribute to the Victim Center, 819 North Boonville Avenue, Springfield, MO 65802.