Robert John Hetzel

MADISON/MCFARLAND - Robert John Hetzel, age 66, of Madison, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family, on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2011. He was born on Aug. 1, 1945, the son of John and Elva (Nehring) Hetzel, in Milwaukee. Bob worked for Wisconsin Bell Telephone Company for 35 ½ years on the line crew, cable and fiber splicing. He took pride in his work and enjoyed working for the company. Bob built many close friendships while working. He was a long time Packer and Nascar fan. Bob and Ivy moved to Montello two years ago and he loved the outdoors. Bob enjoyed fishing, hunting, cutting and splitting wood, raising chickens and he especially took pride in his prairie and did get to see it blossom. He enjoyed camping and traveling for many years, especially his trips to Texas and meeting many new friends. Bob also had many fun times watching and laughing at his four legged furry love child and companion, Muttley. He is survived by his loving soul mate, best friend, and HB, Ivy Yttri for over 20 years. He is further survived by his mother, Elva Hetzel; his son, Andrew (Kelly) Hetzel; a daughter, Theresa (Mike) Klinger; grandson, Josh (Ali) Hetzel; step-children, Chad Yttri, Kelly (Khalid) Yttri and Jimmy Yttri; sisters, Barb (Rae) Roethle, Pat McQueston and Mary Haucke; step-grandchildren, Angela, Kristi, Zayd and Musa; and step-great-grandson, Chayzen. He is also survived by special friend and sister-in-law, Colleen Brakmanis; brothers-in-law, Pat (Barb) McEvilly and Stan McEvilly; a special aunt, Dorothy Nehring; many loving aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins and wonderful friends. Bob was preceded in death by his father, John Hetzel; paternal and maternal grandparents; and his first wife, Rayona Hetzel. Funeral services will be held at MESSIAH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5202 Cottage Grove Rd, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 16, with the Rev. Jeff VandenHeuvel presiding. Private burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at the church on Friday. The family would like to acknowledge and thank the Oncology department at UW Hospital, especially Dr. Toby Campbell, his nurse, Stephanie, and study nurse, Karen, and all the other doctors, nurses and staff. Cemetery: Private burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at the church on Friday. Funeral services will be held at MESSIAH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5202 Cottage Grove Rd, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 16, with the Rev. Jeff VandenHeuvel presiding.