Donald L. Hetzler, 77, of Hazen, ND, passed away at 8:30 AM on Monday, July 4, 2016 at Sakakawea Medical Center, Hazen. Services will be held at 3:00 PM CDT on Saturday, July 9, 2016 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Beulah with Pastor Kent Sperry officiating. A graveside service will be held at Lebanon Cemetery, Lebanon, IA at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, July 12, 2016.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM  CDT on Friday at Barbot Funeral Home, Beulah.

Donald was born on January 29, 1939, along with his twin brother Ronald, to Edwin Maynard and Alice (Epperly) Hetzler in Cantril, IA. He grew up and attended school in Cantril. Following high school, Donald attended auctioneer school and later received his GED at the age of 42. On September 26, 1987, Donald married the love of his life, DeEtta R. Peterson and the couple resided in Hazen for all of their married life.

Donald began working at Dakota Gasification Company in 1983 and retired in 2005. He was a shift maintenance mechanic and crane operator. He loved his job, took pride in his work and was always willing to help. Donald never met a stranger and was always a social bug. He enjoyed company, traveling and camping, as well as being an avid fisherman and hunter. Donald also enjoyed dancing, music, and food, especially a good hamburger and ice cream. He liked to read and had a love for books. Don was very knowledgeable in almost everything and was also a collector of almost everything. Donald loved birds and animals and going to the river to look for rocks. He especially loved being a grandpa and his uncle Wa Wa.

Donald is survived by his wife, DeEtta of Hazen; two daughters, Tammy (Mike) Akovenko of Globe, AZ and Laurie (Donnie) Reed of Ellwood City, PA; one son, Cody (Kaicee) Hetzler of Hazen; six grandchildren, David Akovenko, Nikolai Akovenko, Chasidee Garove, Krystal Chambers, Jaimee Tatro and Maggie Wadeson; nine great-grandchildren; three brothers, James (Dianne) Hetzler of Ottumwa, IA, Ronald (Margaret) Hetzler of Madison, WI and Larry (Helen) Hetzler of Plattsmouth, NE; one half-brother, Eric (Kim) Hetzler of Lacy, WA; two half-sisters, Olga and Susan of CA; and his mother-in-law, Virginia Peterson of Dodge, ND.

He was preceded in death by his son, Michael; his parents, Alice and Edwin Maynard; his grandparents; and several aunts and uncles.

Arrangements are conducted by Barbot Funeral Home, Beulah and Hazen.

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