Ten days following graduation I was in basic training for the U.S. Navy. Shortly after basic training I met the love of my life, Nancy. Nancy, her family and church introduced me to the person of Jesus Christ and I committed my life to serving Him. Following 21 months of active duty in the Philippines we were married on 12/19/1970. We have been blessed with 2 lovely daughters, each with a great husband and 3 children. I love being Papa to the six grandkids. I'm an alum of Bethel University.
I have been blessed to do things I am passionate about. Following a couple of opportunities in the corporate and small business world I ended up in the academic world. I joined the staff of New Life Academy, a Christian school in Woodbury, MN, in 1980. The school went through 8th grade when I started. I served as Athletic Director until my retirement June 30, 2016. I go to work with great kids and sports in a faith-based school, which are both things I am passionate about. During that time I led the development of a successful high school athletic program. NLA teams have 17 Minnesota State High School League appearances with 8 state championships and 3 runner-up finishes. In 2004 the school honored me by naming the new gymnasium Curt Wetsel Court I also served as Executive Director of the MCAA Conference for 20 years helping schools and athletic directors grow their programs.
Another passion of mine was firefighting. I was a paid-on-call firefighter for 34 years and an EMT for 22. The last 22 years with Woodbury Fire and Rescue where I advanced to serve as District Chief. It was a very fulfilling part of my life.
My first year of retirement has been filled with great opportunities and adventures. I am still connected with New Life Academy and am asked to chaperone and lead missions trips, class trips (I have taken the senior class to Colorado for the last 32 years for their senior trip), athletic teams, etc.
Nancy and I are enjoying retirement. I tell people "each day is a new adventure". We have more time for grand children, travel and time with family at the cabin. My latest passion is missions trips. I have been on 3 since January 1. The most recent was drilling a well with Living Water in Guatemala. The next one is to the Baja of Mexico.
I'm looking forward to seeing many of you at the reunion.