Calvin G. Wettstein

ROSEMONT -- Calvin G. “Cal” Wettstein, a retired Hunterdon County agricultural agent, died Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015 at his home. He was 91.

Although he was born in Hoboken, the son of a Reformed Church minister, he became a dairy expert. He helped area farmers with various aspects of caring for and improving their herds for more than 40 years. He started his education at Rutgers College of Agriculture in 1941, but left for service in the Marine Corps in the Pacific during World War II starting in 1943. He also served in the Korean War 1951-1952 and retired from the USMCR as a first lieutenant.

He had returned to Rutgers in 1946, earning bachelor of science and master of science degrees.

Cal was a research assistant at the Rutgers Dairy Research Farm in Sussex County, then moved to Hunterdon in 1955 as a sire analyst for the N.J. Cooperative Breeders Association, which was a national leader in the artificial insemination of dairy cattle. After a stint as assistant county agent in Hunterdon for the Rutgers Extension Service, he returned to N.J. Cooperative Breeders as manager, then moved to Tunkhannock, PA, when it merged with a Pennsylvania cooperative to form Northeast Breeders Association.

Several years later he came back to Hunterdon and the Extension Service as a county agent, a post he held until retiring in 1987. Rutgers University honored him with the rank of professor emeritus. He was a member of several organizations, including the County Agents Association, the New Jersey Agricultural Society and the Princeton Agricultural Association.

Born in Hoboken on April 7, 1924, a son of the Rev. Adelbert and Adeline Rohrer Wettstein, he had resided in Hunterdon County for 56 years, in Clinton Township many years before moving to Delaware Township.

He was active in numerous local organizations. He had been an elder, Sunday School superintendent, Sunday School teacher, and youth group advisor for the Bethlehem Presbyterian Church at Grandin, and most recently was a member of the Flemington Presbyterian Church.

He served on the Clinton Township Planning Board and was a trustee of Hunterdon Medical Center. He was a member of the board of Teen Problems Anonymous, forerunner to Hunterdon Helpline, and was a member of the Rotary Club of North Hunterdon for more than 45 years. He served as president of the group and was honored with the national organization’s Paul Harris Fellow award.

Related to his Extension work, he was a strong supporter of the 4-H program, serving as a club leader himself several times and participating in many 4-H events. He helped organize numerous dairy shows at the old Flemington Fair, and he worked closely with the county Board of Agriculture on various projects and activities.

More recently Cal was active in Habitat for Humanity, working many times in Trenton on homes being built or renovated.

His brothers, Herbert Wettstein and the Rev. Arnold Wettstein, pre-deceased him.

Cal is survived by his wife of 66 years, Elizabeth Smedley Wettstein; four sons, Peter of Rochester, MN.; Calvin of Eagle, CO.; Chris of Holland Township, NJ and Richard of Clinton Township, NJ. Also surviving are nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Astrid, Marit, and Howard of MN, Jennifer of CO and Kipp of NY, Kathryn York of NJ and Kyle of FL, Derrick of MD and Emily of MA..

Memorial services will be held, Saturday, January 30, 2016 at 11 AM at the Flemington Presbyterian Church, 10 East Main Street, Flemington. Arrangements are under the direction of the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main St., Flemington, NJ.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Flemington Presbyterian Church Music Program, 10 East Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822, Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity, PO Box 6275, Bridgewater, NJ 08807, or Hunterdon Hospice, 2100 Wescott Dr., Flemington, NJ 08822.

For further information or to send an online condolence, visit www.holcombefisher.com.