Richard Wertel, 1959-2021

Richard Clarence Wertel, 61, of Lake Wales passed away Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at AdventHealth Lake Wales.

He was born June 2, 1959 in Hopewell, VA; and he was a cross country runner in his younger years. He and his wife recently moved here from Lanexa, VA looking forward to his retirement from Anheuser-Busch. He loved to hunt, drink beer and listen to hard rock music. He was good at repairing things and was a gun enthusiast. He will be remembered as a true family man, A-1 trouble shooter and wonderful friend.

Survivors include his wife of 17 years, Robin P. Wertel; daughters, Stephanie Wallace of Hampton, VA, Jaime Elliott of Williamsburg, VA and Jana Croley of Williamsburg, VA; step-sons, Joel Cross of Seaford, VA, Joshua Cross of Hampton, VA and Noah Cross of Hampton, VA; parents, Leo John and Janet Marie Wertel of Hampton, VA; sisters, Peggy Fisher of Arizona and Pam Kennedy of Virginia; 12 grandchildren, Rian, Anthony, Kaitlyn, Steven, Jacob, Brenden, Isaiah, Jemma, Rhiannon, Junior, Payton and Skylr; and one great-grandchild, Rhiot.

Memorial service will be held at a later date in Hampton, VA. Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales is handling arrangements.