Robert L .Hetzel, 90, died at home on December 24, 2024 after a long illness.
Born on September 30, 1934 in Spring Green, WI. to the late Louis and Hilda (Feiner) Hetzel, Bob married the late Marie (Bomkamp) in 1956 and moved to Washington where he served four years in the Air Force. After the service, they returned to Wisconsin where Bob owned a TV repair shop.
In 1966, Bob, Marie and their kids moved to NH where they made their home for over 58 years before their passing. Bob was an electronics technician for the New Boston Tracking Station where he tracked satellites and later satellite payloads on the space shuttles. During his time with NBTS, Bob had assignments in Alaska and overseas assignments in The Seychelles, Greenland, and a second stint in Greenland just before retirement. It was a very rewarding career for 25 years.
Upon retirement, Bob set up a home woodworking shop where he could be heard sawing, sanding and cutting any day of the week. He did everything from small furniture to intricate scroll work. Bear banks were his specialty where he is said to have made over 1300 in the 25 years of that serious hobby.
Bob and Marie very much enjoyed traveling. Some of their adventures took them on an Alaskan cruise; and to Hawaii, Greece, Bulgaria, Germany, Canada and the Bahamas. They also traveled to many states to visit family and friends.
In the summers, Bob could be found on his front porch swing where he spent many hours enjoying the weather and chatting with the neighbors. He was a pretty good neighborhood watch guy too.
Bob was a communicant of St. Pius X Church for over 50 years, where he also served as an usher.
Family members include his predeceased wife of 68 years, Marie, eight children; Debbie Boutwell (Buzz) of Manchester, Dennis Hetzel (Ann Marie) of Candia, John Hetzel (Carol) of Manchester, Renee Christous (Steve) of Manchester, Pam Giannakos of Muscoda, WI., Alan Hetzel (Tina) of Barre, VT., Randy Hetzel (Debbie) of Monroe, NC., Mark Hetzel (Donna) of Candia; many grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and in-laws. Siblings include Jeralyn Meyer (Art), Dick Hetzel, and Gary Hetzel.
He was predeceased by his brother Melvin Hetzel and sister Suzanne Penfield.
Calling hours will take place on Thursday, January 2, 2025 from 5 to 7 pm at J.N. Boufford & Sons Funeral Home, 110 Bridge St.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 3, 2025 at 10 am in St. Pius X Church on Candia Rd.
Committal prayers will follow in St. Augustin Cemetery.
The family would like to greatly thank Compassus Hospice, Alex and Emily in Particular for their exceptional care.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers , the family requests family and friends perform a random act of kindness.
For more information and online guestbook please visit www.bouffordfuneralhome.com