James J. Hetzel, 68 of Whiting, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 28, 2017at the Hammond-Whiting Care Center, surrounded by his most cherished family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Marilyn (nee Farmer); loving father of Jeff (Heather) and Joe (Sabrina); adoring grandpa of Hannah, Parker, Mckenna and Halle; dearest brother of Joe (Laurie), Nancy (late Clarence) Funk, Tom (Laure) and Bill (Julie); proud uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2017 at 6:00pm at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th St., Whiting with the Rev. Stanley J. Dominik, officiating; cremation to follow; visitation at the funeral home on Saturday from 2:00pm to time of service.

Jim Hetzel was born on October 15, 1949 to Joseph, Sr. and Eleanor Rose (Palko) Hetzel. He was a lifelong resident of the Whiting-Robertsdale Community and attended  St. John School and George Rogers Clark High School. Jim was a US Army Veteran of the Vietnam Conflict and a retired steelworker. He was a member of the Sokol Club and was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers and Chicago White Sox fan. He enjoyed fishing and grilling and treasured the time spent with his grandchildren. Devoted to his family, Jim will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Whiting Food Pantry would be appreciated

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