Hettwer, Kenneth 1934-2014

HETTWER, GROTHE, DERAAD

Posted By: Mary Holub, volunteer (email)
Date: 1/7/2015 at 21:31:41

LeMars Sentinel, Monday, January 27, 2014

Kenneth Hettwer, 79, of Le Mars, died Thursday, Jan. 23, 2014, at his home.

Kenneth Francis Hettwer was born Jan. 31, 1934, in Le Mars, to Joseph and Elizabeth "Sadie" (Grothe) Hettwer. He was raised in Le Mars and attended Le Mars Central High School.

He served his country during the Korean War from June 1951 until his honorable discharge in January 1955.

Ken was united in marriage to Shirley De Raad on Sept. 3, 1955, in Le Mars. The couple farmed near Struble and later on a farm near Seney for several years.

In 1967, Ken went to work for Ken Plueger, learning to be a mason.

In 1970, Ken established Hettwer Construction. He was a very accomplished brick and block mason until his retirement in 1997.

During retirement, Ken did snow removal for a number of years.

Ken and Shirley enjoyed camping, especially with friends at Storm Lake. He also enjoyed fishing and playing cards with family and friends.

His greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He will be missed. He will be remembered for his huge smile and great sense of humor.

Ken was a longtime member of Grace Lutheran Church and the Wasmer American Legion Post #241, of Le Mars.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Shirley, of Le Mars; three children: Keith Hettwer and his wife Rosie, of Le Mars, Brian Hettwer and his wife Deb, of Sioux City, and Connie Moulton, of Mount Holly Springs, Pa.; 11 grandchildren and 13 1/2 great-grandchildren; three sisters: Mary Luschen, of Le Mars, Delores Hoxsie, of Le Mars, and Kay Fiedler, of Sioux Falls, S.D.; a brother, Richard "Butch" Hettwer and his wife Darlene, of Evansville, Ind.; two sisters-in-law, Gerry Steele, of Minneapolis, Minn., and Marion Hettwer, of Sioux Falls, S.D.; a brother-in-law, Wilbur "Pete" Petersen, of Le Mars; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Elizabeth "Sadie" (Grothe) Hettwer; two sisters: Judy Dreckman and Carolyn Petersen; two brothers: Ray and Robert Hettwer; and a brother-in-law, Fred Hoxsie.

A Celebration of Life Service will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Grace Lutheran Church, Le Mars, with the Rev. Tim Geitz officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date at Resthaven Memory Gardens Cemetery, Le Mars. Military honors will be provided by Wasmer American Legion Post #241, of Le Mars.

Visitation with the family present will be after 5 p.m. today (Monday) at the Carlsen Funeral Home in Le Mars with a 7 p.m. prayer service. Visitation will continue Tuesday morning at the church from 9:30 a.m. until service time.

Honorary pallbearers will be his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.