Robert R. Hetzel

Robert R. Hetzel, age 91, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at Hilltop Grand Village in Wisconsin Rapids.

Services will be at 1:30 P.M. on Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Rapids.  Rev. Lucas Proeber will officiate.  Entombment will be at Forest Hill Mausoleum.  Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 P.M. on Monday, January 17 at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids and from 12:30 P.M. until the time of services on Tuesday at the church.  Due to ongoing concerns with COVID-19, the family requests those attending the visitation and/or service to please wear face masks.

Bob was born February 14, 1930 in Rudolph, WI to Fred and Minnie (Marzofka) Hetzel.  He married LuVerne Loomans on June 24, 1950 in Wisconsin Rapids.  He served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict from 1951-1953 and was stationed in Europe.  He was privileged to go on the Never Forgotten Honor Flight.

Bob worked at Consolidated Papers Inc. in the Biron Division, from 1948-1993, retiring as blade coater operator after 45 years of service.  He also drove school bus for both Safeway and Lamers for over 20 years, helping multiple generations of area students.

He served on the board of directors at Forest Hill Cemetery in Wisconsin Rapids for many years, and was Rudolph Town Chairman for 12 years.

He was an active member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, serving in many capacities.

Bob was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed camping and fishing in Wisconsin’s Northwoods.  He loved to travel and was able to visit most of the 50 states, including spending winters in Florida for many years.  He loved playing cards including Sheepshead, Cribbage, Hand and Foot, and Canasta.  He also enjoyed playing Bingo with the residents at Hilltop and reading the daily newspaper.  Bob loved his family and really enjoyed his grandkids.  He was an excellent gardener and grew the best tomatoes.

Bob is survived by four children: Vaughn (Rhonda) Hetzel, Kenneth Hetzel (Sue), Brenda (Les) Coates, and Rhonda (Randy) Kehrberg all of Wisconsin Rapids; former daughter-in-law, Karla Stanczyk; grandchildren: Shayna (Derrick) Hetzel-Mrozinski, Garrett Hetzel, Joshua Hetzel, Justin (Karrie) Hetzel, Janelle (Mitchell) Lerner, Jake Hetzel (Missy) , Ethan (Emily) Hetzel, Amber Hetzel, Chris (Tracie) Mancl, Holly (Rob) Helmann, Heather (Steve) Erdmann, Veronica (Josiah) Mertes, Jared Coates, Derek Coates, Zachary (Elizabeth) Hetzel, Benjamin Varsho, and Samuel Varsho; great-grandchildren: Mason Hetzel, Davin Hetzel, Dejah Hetzel, Elliot Hetzel, Madelyn Hetzel-Mrozinski, Parker Hetzel-Mrozinski, Wyn Helmann, Fia Helmann, and Harper Mancl; step-great-grandchildren: Alicia Grant, Haley Grant, and Michelle Cunningham; foster daughter, Mary Ann Morgan; and special friend Arlene Lee.  He is preceded in death by his parents; son DuWayne; brother Herbert; and sisters: Mildred Riske, Margaret Newman, Verna Jepson, and Norma Hogan.

Special thanks to Liz RN with Aveanna Home Care and the staff at Hilltop Grand Village for the excellent and compassionate care Bob received.

Memorials may be designated to St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church and School in Wisconsin Rapids.

Herman-Taylor Funeral Home, Wisconsin Rapids, is honored to be assisting the family.

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