William Hetzler

William Bill Preston Hetzler, 85, was born July 16, 1927 on a small farm in Onaga, Kansas to Bernard and Olga Hetzler. He has three older brothers: Harold, Edgar, and Robert Hetzler, and one younger sister Ruth Hetzler Pattison.

He was married to Helen Hetzler in 1953, and they had four children, seven grandchildren and 3 greatgrandchildren.

Bill passed away on August 30, 2012 in his home.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Helen, and his first born child, Karen Sue.

He is survived by his three children, Mike Hetzler of Bellvue, WA, Vickie Hetzler of Odessa, Texas and Jeff Hetzler of Odessa, Texas. His 7 grandchildren: Katrina Slayton and husband Rusty Slayton of Christoval, Brannan Hetzler of Dublin, CA, Kara Stapp and her husband Tyrell Stapp of Abilene, Marissa Palmer and her husband Dusty Palmer of Lubbock, Mycah Hetzler of Dublin, CA, Brock Hetzler of Dublin, CA and Brad Hetzler of Odessa. His 3 greatgrandchildren, Merrick Slayton, Macyn Slayton, and Skye Pritchett.

Bill was known by many names. Dad and Papa to those who were lucky. Uncle Bull to his nieces and nephews and Mr. Bill to his many friends and colleagues. He was a proud Air Force veteran, who served in World War II as well as the Korean War, as a master sergeant who worked on the minute man missile program, of the strategic air command. He was a lifelong dedicated member of the Lutheran Church where he sang in the choir, made Braille Bibles and served as a lay Minister. He dedicated 15 years of Service to Medical Center Hospital as an employee and later as manager of the engineering department, and another 14 years on the Board of Directors for the hospital.
He proudly served the Childrens Miracle Network, West Texas Opportunities, medical center development corporation, and Odessa Optimist Club. He was also an avid supporter of the Odessa High Bronchos, and went to the football, baseball, basketball, volleyball and swim team events.

Bill was also a proud 1979 graduate of the University of Texas of the Permian Basin, and was a generous alumni. Everyone who met Bill loved him. When anyone asked how he was doing he always answered with terrific because he wanted only positive words to be passed on to others. He was generous, compassionate, loyal, and he loved to laugh. He hoped that his biggest legacy would be his ministry in the Lord and that he lived as an example to others.

The family has asked that in lieu of flowers that a donation be made to Childrens Miracle Network.

Visitation will be on Monday, September 3rd from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, and the funeral will be Tuesday, September 4th at 10:00 a.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church, followed by a military graveside service at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Visitation

Sunset Memorial Funeral Home
6801 E. Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762
Friday, September 3, 2021
57 PM

Service

Funeral Service

Reedemer Lutheran Church
824 East 18th
Odessa, TX  79761
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
10:00 AM

Cemetery

Sunset Memorial Gardens
6801 E. Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762

Memorial Contributions

501 N. Golder
Odessa, TX  79761