Christian Hettinger, 83, of Wilton, NH, passed away Tuesday November 3, 2026, in Crestwood Care and Rehabilitation Center in Milford, NH. He was born on August 5, 1943, in Memphis, TN, a son of the late Dudley and Sarah (Grimes) Hettinger.
Christian graduated from the University of New Mexico with a BA in Fine Arts, and from Memphis State University with his Master’s degree, later instructing at MSU. He was self-employed as an architect. Christian was an avid fox hunter and was the designer of the International Fox Hunting emblem. He was also an active member of the Nashua Rotary Club.
Christian was a lifelong amateur musician, performing with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra Chorus and the Steamboat Strummers in Memphis, and with the Temple (N.H.) Town Band and Concord (Mass.) Music Club. He was also a member of the Lafayette Artillery, often acting as company bugler.
He is survived by his beloved wife Rhonda Watts-Hettinger of Wilton; his son, C.B. Reid Hettinger of Eads, TN; his daughter, Laura Hettinger Mauer of New Orleans, LA; two grandchildren, Isaac and Mila Rose; his brother, John Hettinger of Folsom, CA; as well as extended family.
A memorial service will be held at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, but no date has been set at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Old North Bridge Hounds, or the Temple Town Band, or to your local school music program.