Olin August Wetzel
A member of the Society of American Florists’ Floriculture Hall of Fame and an influential leader behind the company that is today the largest insurer for the floral industry died Aug. 24 in Carbon, Illinois, at the age of 93.
In 1955, Florists’ Hail Association changed its name to Florists’ Mutual Insurance Company; in 2001, Florists’ Mutual Insurance Company began operating as Hortica.
“Olin worked tirelessly during his leadership years to strengthen the green industry both directly and indirectly,” said Robert McClellan, former president and CEO of Hortica. “He will be sorely missed but his many contributions live on.”
Former SAF President Red Kennicott, AAF, of Kennicott Brothers Co. in Chicago agreed.
“Olin was a great friend of our industry,” Kennicott said. “He dedicated his career to advancing its causes and helping people and companies with whom he was associated.”
Under Wetzel’s leadership, a once small association grew to become the largest insurer of the florists, growers and wholesale florists industry in the world. He also helped to design, and oversaw the construction of, the iconic Florists Insurance Center building on St. Louis Street, which now serves as the Madison County Criminal Justice Center.
A prolific and generous industry member, Wetzel served as vice chairman of the Alliance of American Insurers, and on the board of the Illinois State Association of Mutual Insurance Companies. He served as a volunteer leader for SAF, the Illinois State Florists Association, Roses Inc. and was a charter member and served on the board and as treasurer of the American Floral Endowment. He was inducted into the American Academy of Floriculture in 1972 and to the Floriculture Hall of Fame in 1987.
Wetzel was preceded in death by his first wife Judith (Brunworth) and by his second wife Lola (Neibruegge); by one brother Paul Wetzel, and by an infant son Randall J. Wetzel.
Visitations were held August 29, 2017, at Weber & Rodney Funeral Home in Edwardsville and on August 30, at the First Christian Church in Edwardsville. The funeral service was on August 30.
According to Wetzel’s obituary, “in consideration of his long and faithful service to the horticulture industry, floral tributes will be welcomed by the family; and will be distributed throughout the community following interment services. Alternatively, memorials can be made to the Edwardsville YMCA or the First Christian Church of Edwardsville.”
