Robert David Hetzel
July 24, 1934 - August 25, 2022
Robert David Hetzel, age 88, of Edgerton, WI passed away on Thursday, August 25, 2022, at home.
Robert was born in Philadelphia, PA on July 24, 1934, a son of the late Leo and Kathleen Hetzel. He served his country during the Korean War in the United States Navy from 1952-1960. Robert was a crewmember on a Lockheed P2V Neptune Anti-Submarine Aircraft that patrolled the Atlantic Coast. He earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. Robert married Sandra Mae Burrell on February 25, 1967, in Feasterville, PA. He worked on many engineering projects in the petroleum, pharmaceutical, chemical, and nuclear industries. One of his most notable career accomplishments was working at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee, where he was integral to perfecting the process of Uranium enrichment. Robert was also the Lead Engineer and Project Manager on-site in Beijing, China where he designed and supervised the construction of the factory that produced Kodak disposable cameras.
Robert enjoyed golfing, watching Phillies baseball, and going to Nascar races. In his younger years, he was a racecar driver in the SCCA.
In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his brother, Leo “Buzz” Hetzel. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sandy Hetzel; four children, Cathy Meller, Beth Hetzel-DeFazio, Brian Hetzel, and Rob Hetzel; four grandchildren, Alex Meller, John Meller, Victoria DeFazio, and Sedona DeFazio; two sisters: Betty Brown, and Mary Spady.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 9 am until 10 am on Saturday, September 10, 2022, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 10 am. Interment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 North DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE.
Eleanor Hallman
Dear Cathy, Alex and John,
We are very sorry for your family’s loss. May you find comfort in your memories.Fondly, Eleanor & Dennis Hallman
Laurel Brown
I am very sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. I know he will be greatly missed by all of his loved ones. He lead an interesting and successful life, and was also a leader of our church for a time. May you all be comforted in your sorrow by our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Denise/Dave Hutchinson
Dear Cathy, Alex and John, sending our deepest sympathies your way xoxo if you guys need anything, please let us know. ♥️
Michael Spady
I was deeply saddened to hear of Uncle Bob’s passing. Please extend my condolences during this trying time.
LeeAnn Hetzel
So sorry for your loss. Uncle Bob was such a great man and he really helped me to care foe my Dad . They are now together in Heaven and Heaven has another angel