Obituary for Harland Elmer Hetzler

Harland Elmer Hetzler, died on January 25th, 2012 from complications from surgery. He was one day short of his 92nd birthday. He was the son of Elmer Hetzler and Frieda (Kretschmer) Hetzler. He is preceded in death by his wife, Lenore Mumm, and one son Dale. Harland is survived by 2 sisters, Corrine McKee of Muscatine and Agnes Miller of Bettendorf, Iowa, 4 children: Joel (Gin) Hetzler, Jane Chukas, Jeff (Julie Carroll) Hetzler, John (Marcia) Hetzler, 8 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Harland was born on a farm in Muscatine County near Wildcat Den State Park, on January 26, 1920 and attended rural school, graduating from Muscatine High School in 1937. He farmed until 1958 and moved to Monticello, Iowa, where he sold insurance and real estate. Harland later served as sexton of Oakwood Cemetery. He was noted for his woodcarvings and often sang solos for church, weddings and funerals. Harland was awarded a lifetime membership in the Monticello Chamber of Commerce, served on the St Matthews Church Council, the Board of Directors of Camp Courageous, the Monticello Public Library Board, The John McDonald Hospital Board. He rode bicycle on RAGBRAI for 3 trips after the age of 68 and won a gold medal in the Iowa Olympics in 1968 for a 54 mile bike race in less than 3 hours. He wanted it to be known that all successes in the endeavors noted above, he would not nor could he have enjoyed without the faithful love of Lenore, his wife. Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on February 4th, 2012, at St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Monticello, Iowa (226 N. Cedar Street, Monticello, Iowa). Visitation is Friday evening February 3rd, at St. Matthews from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to St. Matthews as well. The Family has entrusted the care of the arrangements to Iowa Cremation.