Gordon John Wetjen

Gordon John Wetjen was born in Cedar Rapids and raised in Homestead. He attended the Lutheran School in Newhall, the Newhall Consolidated School, and the Amana Senior High School. As a young man he was an active member of the Saint John’s Lutheran Church and played basketball. Wetjen was drafted by the Army in July 1966 and was sent to Vietnam in December 1967. SP4 Wetjen served in the Americal Division as a military driver and stationed at Chu Lai near Danang. He was killed on February 7, 1968 when his military vehicle detonated a mine. Six other Americans died in the explosion. The 20-year-old’s funeral was held at the Saint John’s Lutheran Church and his body was buried in the church cemetery, both in Homestead.