The funeral for Wayland High School senior athlete Ethan Mutschler is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday at the Fine Arts Center, 870 East Superior St.
Mutschler, 17, was killed in a traffic crash Friday night in southern Kent County. He was preparing for his fourth season on the Wildcat varsity football team as an offensive lineman.
There also are two visitations. One will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Friday, July 19, and the other will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Both will be at the Fine Arts Center.
A special candlelight Celebration of Life event will be held at the football stadium at 9 p.m. Friday.
Ethan Douglas Mutschler died Friday evening as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He was born Oct. 19, 2001, in Grand Rapids, the son of Angela Mutschler and Robert Hood. Ethan was affectionately known by many as “E”, “Much”, “Beefcake”, Big Red” and at 6’5 the “Gentle Giant.”
He attended Wayland Union Schools and would have been a senior this year. Ethan was a three-year starter for the Wildcat varsity football team and a member of the varsity basketball team. He played travel ball for several years and countless Gus Macker tournaments.
Ethan is survived by his mother, Angela Mutschler; father, Robert (Jamie) Hood; sister, Jenae; and brothers Brendan and Owen. He also leaves his maternal grandparents, Douglas and Judy Mutschler of Wayland; paternal grandparents, Lea and Masa Tanaka of Battle Creek and Lenis and Jan Hood of Bark River; Uncle David (Laci) Mutschler; Aunt Trisha Mutschler; Uncle Kevin (Andrea) Hood; Aunt Mandy Hood; many cousins; and life-long best friend, Charlie Toman.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mutschler family to help with expenses.
