Donald L. Hetze

Donald L. Hetze, age 75, passed away on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 26, 2023 at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery in the Town of Sherry. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service on Friday at the funeral home.

Donald was born on July 7, 1947 in the Town of Sherry to William and Ruth (Benson) Hetze. Don grew up working on his family’s dairy farm.  At the age of 18, while continuing to help on the farm, Don started his career at the Biron Mill.  Don remained at the mill until his retirement after 40 + years.
Don married Sandra Tritz on July 2, 1982 in the Town of Sherry. Together they had one son, Lee. They resided in Milladore until their divorce. Don and Sandi remained friends until his passing.

Don loved hunting and fishing. His favorite hunting trips were those spent in Montana hunting elk and mule deer with family and friends.  He also enjoyed sharing stories about his Canadian fishing trips throughout the years. He was passionate about riding his Harleys and being an active member of ABATE. It was important to him to be involved in ABATE even after his riding days were over.  Don also enjoyed playing cards. There was not much that would stop him from his weekly Friday card games with good friends.

Don is survived by his step-sons: Jason Kellner (Jenny) and George Kellner; siblings: Marion R. (Tootie) Hoffman, James W. Hetze, Michael F. Hetze (Lori Brase-Hetze) as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son Lee D. Hetze; siblings: Richard (Bud) Hetze and Sally A. Fry; brothers-in-law Herbert Fry and Richard Hoffman; sister-in-law Barb Linzmeier.

The family would like to thank all the friends and family that were able to visit or send well wishes to Don during his short stay in Hospice.

 

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