Obituary of Ethel M. Hetzel

Ethel M. Hetzel, 82 of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, at Aspirus Riverview Hospital.

She was born on April 8, 1935, in Wisconsin Rapids, to the late Lester H. and Helen G. (Field) O’Dell, and was a 1953 graduate of Lincoln High School. On Jan. 30, 1954, her marriage to Herbert Hetzel took place at the United Methodist Church in Wisconsin Rapids. Herbert died on Dec. 26, 2013.

Ethel had worked in accounting for CW Transport, Preway, Harold Becker, CPA, and retired from Vern Manthei, DDS, as an office manager.

Her interests included crocheting, cross stitch, embroidery, bowling, playing cards, watching TV, Murder She Wrote and Christmas movies. She loved canning and baking, camping and quiet evenings around the fire. Her favorite trip was to Alaska. Ethel was very active in her church and she was a caring, kind, loving, independent woman who doted on her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She and Herbert were also very avid dancers in their younger years.

Survivors include her daughter, Wendy Schwartz; two sons, Keith and Todd (special friend Gary) Hetzel all of Wisconsin Rapids; four grandchildren, Nichole (Kevin) Saal of Wausau, Michelle Bergeron, Danielle Schwartz and Kendel Gaetz all of Wisconsin Rapids; seven great-grandchildren, Tyreese and Kallie Saal, Louis and Maxual Bergeron, Memphis Hanneman-Bergeron, Vaughn and Nora Bergeron-Andreason; sister, JoAnne (Mike) Christy; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, Ethel was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Jeff Schwartz; grandson-in-law, Josh Bergeron; brother Edwin O’Dell; and sister, Ida Zupanc.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017, at the United Methodist Church in Wisconsin Rapids with Pastor Joshua Pegram officiating. Entombment will follow in the Forest Hill Mausoleum. Visitation will be at the church on Saturday morning from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. The Herman-Taylor Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family. For online condolences, please visit www.taylorfuneralhome.net.