John “Jake” J. Hetzel Sr., 73, of Elkhorn, passed away on Monday, Aug. 23, 2021, at Ridgestone Village in Delavan.
He was born Sept. 27, 1947, the son to the late Jacob P. and Leone (Puestow) Hetzel. Jake was united in marriage to Janet (Rozmarin) Hetzel on Feb. 17, 1997, in Las Vegas, Nevada. He served in the United States Army as a medic during Vietnam and was awarded the Purple Heart Medal of Honor.
Jake enjoyed watching horse races. He was an avid Wisconsin sports fan – loving the Brewers, Packers and the Bucks. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. He worked as an industrial engineer throughout the years for Borg Industries and Owen Vending.
He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Janet Hetzel; three children, Allison (David Durham) Hetzel of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, John Hetzel Jr. of Delavan and Chad (Michelle) Hetzel of Delavan; two stepchildren, Ken (Peggy) Stopple of Elkhorn and Don Stopple of Illinois; four grandchildren, Oliver, Sam, George and Hollister Hetzel; five step-grandchildren, Angus and Willie Durham, and Joe, Rachael (Kevin) and Jonathan Stopple; two step-great-grandchildren, Jack and Logan; and one brother, Greg (Lynn) Hetzel of Milwaukee.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A graveside service with military honors will be at noon on Friday, Aug. 27, 2021, at Spring Grove Cemetery in Delavan, with Deacon Phil Kilkenny officiating. A celebration of life gathering will follow the service from 1 to 5 p.m., at the American Legion, 111 S. Second St., Delavan, WI 53115.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital of Madison madison.va.gov/giving.
For the online guest book, visit haaselockwoodfhs.com.
Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Homes and Crematory completed arrangements for the family.
