The time has come for the Wisconsin Nurses Honor Guard to mourn and celebrate a beloved one of their own.

Gail Yvonne Hettrick, RN BSN OCN, left us on July 11, 2026. She was born on November 4, 1964, in Madison, the daughter of Harold and LaJeane (Kunkel) Hettrick. She graduated from La Follette High School in 1982 and the UW-Madison School of Nursing in1986.

Gail promptly followed her heart to UW Hospital, where she remained for her 35-year career. Thirty-three of those years were spent in the Hematology/Oncology/Blood and Marrow Transplant division on B6/6.

A compassionate and devoted registered nurse, Gail felt privileged to be a part of the lives of her patients and their families. She said they taught her to appreciate life’s joys and blessings. Gail was forever grateful to be part of a team of dedicated professionals engaged in the daily fight against cancer.

Gail passed away at UW Hospital, on the floor that felt like her home, cared for by the nurses she considered her family.

Her colleagues considered Gail to represent the gold standard of nursing. After her retirement, when facing challenging situations, her colleagues said they would ask themselves, “What would Gail do?”

But Gail’s life reached far beyond the parameters of her work. She spent decades researching her genealogy and fiercely embraced her Irish heritage. She proudly wore the Irish Rose banner of The Shamrock Club of Wisconsin. She was thrilled to have had the opportunity to travel to Ireland and immerse herself in the culture.

Gail loved outdoor activities, flower gardening and candlelight walks through state and local parks. She had a heart for victims of injustice in whatever form and was a faithful volunteer and fundraiser for a plethora of groups far and wide. Their only blue-eyed daughter, Gail, lovingly cared for her ailing parents.

Gail was preceded in death by her parents; a favorite uncle, Deke Kunkel; a favorite cousin, Sharon Kopplin; and her fur baby, Chelsea. She is survived by her siblings, Harlan (Deb) Hettrick, Denise Hettrick, Andrea (Ron) Debs and Lynne Hettrick; nieces and nephew, Katie, Christine and Matthew; nephew and godson, Dane; and Milwaukee cousins and many neighbors, friends and colleagues.

Memorials may be made to the family for a nursing scholarship in Gail’s name at La Follette High School, Agrace HospiceCare or a charity of your choice.

A celebration of life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 4 p.m. on Friday, July 24, 2026. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 2 p.m. until the time of the service on Friday. Gail will be buried next to her grandparents at Mount Repose in Friendship, Wis.

Gail promised she would always be with us. We are counting on that. May God hold her in the palm of His hand.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Gail Hettrick

November 04, 1964 - July 11, 2026

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