Peter H. Hetzel

Peter Hetzel, age 80, died on June 22, 2015 at home. He was born on May 15, 1935 in Pittsburg, PA and later grew up in Rowayton, CT. He graduated from Norwalk High School and Colgate University in 1958. After graduation he started his career with JC Penney in June, married Sally Eaton in August, and was drafted into the army in October of 1958. He served as a MP in Germany until 1960. At Colgate he was a member of the swim team, and an all star lacrosse player. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity. His 37 year career with JC Penney took him to various towns in MN, ND, and then Iron River, MI, where he retired in 1996. Then he and his wife, Sally, moved to Englewood, FL. Pete is survived by his loving wife of 56 years: Sally; four wonderful children: Liz Mason and husband Dale, Bill Hetzel and wife Tess, Lynne Kivimaki and husband Scott, and son Chad Hetzel and seven grandchildren: Amanda Decker and husband Derek, Megan Tchir and husband Paul, Lauren Kivimaki, Sam Kivimaki,Abigail Hetzel, Gibson Hetzel, and Peter Hetzel. Also surviving are his two sisters: Priscilla VanLenten and Ceville Duckworth and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister Cynthia Martin. Pete loved golfing, reading, and sitting on the beach. He worked for 10 years as a green cap at Long Marsh, volunteered at St. David's Thrift Shop, and was the secretary of his condo association for many years. He was a past member of the Elks Lodge, Toastmaster's International and the Iron River Country Club and a lifetime member of JC Penney HCSC Alumni Club. The family wishes to thank Tidewell Hospice for their great care and support. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to either the charity of your choice, American Cancer Society, 4575 Via Royle, Suite 110, Ft. Myers, FL 33919 or Tidewell Hospice, Inc. 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238 in memory of Peter Hetzel. Englewood Community Funeral Home with Private Crematory has been selected to handle arrangements. You may share a memory with the family at www.englewoodfh.com