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Our South Gate Class of S'62 has lost one of its true individals. Greg Wethern succumbed at 4:44 PM on his 82nd birthday, March 31, 2026, to age-related complications from injuries suffered in a fall earlier in the month.
Greg was born March 31,1944 to Frank and Veronica "Ron" Wethern. He grew up in South Gate with his brother Brad, S'60, and sister Lynette, S'64, and attended San Gabriel Avenue Elementary School. Greg introduced himself to many of us in Junior High by coming to school one day with his head shaved!
Greg was one of the founders of the short-lived boys cheering group, the SGHS Ram Rooters. He was good friends with Leroy Von Herpen, S'62, and Jim Fahnstock, S'62. Jim spent alot of time with Greg and in their family home, and was married to Greg's sister, Lynette. Although their marriage ended, their family relationship stayed close and Jim and Greg's friendship continued through all these years.
Greg was married for a time to the former Susan Perkins, younger sister to classmate Peggy Perkins, S'62, and they had two sons, Andrew and Jason. Greg was employed in Security at Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach, and worked for years performing roadside assistance for the AAA.
Living in Bella Vista in Northern California, Greg didn't attend our later reunions. He also didn't have a computer himself, but he sent checks to support our website and for our reunions. When his brother Brad would visit him, he'd bring his laptop and go on our website so Greg could keep up with friends. Greg, Brad, and Lynette all attended the South Gate 1960 to 1965 Reunion in November, 2023 and it was great to see them! Greg proudly supported an amazing beard!
Greg is survived by a son, Jason, his sister, Lynette, and brother, Brad. He was predeceased by his other son, Andrew. May you rest in peace dear classmate.
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Jim Fahnestock
I was deeply saddened about my former brother-in-law and good friend Greg's passing and will miss our conversation when we would call one another on our birthdays and talk about our days in school together. Greg had a fantastic memory of those school days that always amazed me when I had forgotten most them, but would make me smile when he could recall them so easily. One of those memories was taking his dad's VW convertible, often without his dad's approval to places like Big Bear after I would paint a number on the door so it looked like we were in a road rally, in watercolor so we could take it off when we returned. Greg's dad worked nights so he was always asleep when we took the car and went wherever we wanted. When we returned we put the gas level back to where it was and with gas costing 50 cents a gallon then we still had some money left over. So I say rest in piece Greg and I'll see you down the road.
Ronald LeVar
I remember.......... and will see you again....
Paul Smith
I was saddened to hear about Greg's death. It was nice to see and talk with him at the reunion in 2023, along with his brother Brad and sister Lynette. Here is how I remember Greg: his wry sense of humor, his streaks of mischievousness, and his good heartedness.
Sue King (Ross)
I remember Greg from school. He was funny and had a good sense of humor. Was very likeable. Jackie Lanier said he callled her a few months ago and they had a nice conversation. I'm sure he is telling stories in Heaven. God bless.