Gerald Hetzel

Gerald J. Hetzel, age 81, passed away April 9, 2012 at his home in Butternut. He was born August 26, 1930 in Bloomer to Joseph and Catherine (Kramschuster) Hetzel. He married Audrey Giese on December 1, 1951 in Bloomer Wisconsin. Gerald served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Anchorage, AK during the Korean War. He worked in retail sales management before retiring.

Known as Jerry to his friends and family, he followed his dreams to retire with his wife Audrey to the woods of Wisconsin. He loved the 20 years he spent in his northwoods home. He enjoyed fishing, feeding and watching the wildlife, and having friends and family visit and enjoy the lake with him, particularly his grandkids. He was active in local politics and served the Town of Lake and his local lake association.

He is survived by three daughters: Mary Ellen Hetzel of Maineville OH, Nancy (George) Yostel of Mason OH and Cathy (Brad) Allen of Stillwell KS; one brother: Gordon (Mary) Hetzel of Bloomer; one sister: Marie Taylor of Mt Prospect IL; five grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife: Audrey; one son: James Hetzel; two brothers: Ralph and Donald Hetzel.

We will be celebrating Gerald’s life with a gathering of friends and family on April 14, 2012 at 9:00 AM at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Park Falls WI, followed by a Mass of Resurrection at 10:00 AM. Interment will be held at 4:00 PM at the North Catholic Cemetery in Bloomer WI with military graveside rites performed by the Bloomer American Legion and VFW. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Jerry’s name to Marshfield Hope Lodge, 611 Doege St, Marshfield WI 54449.