Merl Hetrick

Merl Emerson Hetrick, 92, died peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Saturday, June 21, 2014. He was born on October 15, 1921 in his Fremont homestead to Clarence and Minnie (Garner) Hetrick. Merl attended the neighboring Glosser School until going on to Fremont Ross High School. Merl served his country in the United States Army during WWII Pacific Theater. In 1953, he married Norma Jane Meyer at St. Joe's Catholic Church, Fremont. As a lifelong farmer, Merl retired in 1987, but could be found on a tractor helping until 2010 and was "Retired Farmer of the Year" in 2000. Merl loved to fish, hunt, farm and square dance. He will be remembered for his lighthearted teasing nature. He was the past President of the Board of Director's Peoples Elevator and Ag-Way; past President & Director of Sandusky County Farm Bureau, and Director of Lin-Mor Elevator. He was a Trustee of Rice Township for 20 years and also a Trustee of Faith Lutheran Church for 6 years. Merl was a member of Pickle & Tomato Growers Association, Junior Fair Steer Committee, Buttons & Bows Western Square Dance, Faith Lutheran dart ball team, Golden Threads, Senior Citizens, and a Lifetime member of the Fremont V.F.W. & American Legion. He was also active in 4-H and the Sandusky County Fair. Surviving in addition to his wife, Norma are children, Deborah (Robert) Grayson, Brenda (Thomas) Fulkerson both of Fremont, Jerry (Casandra) Hetrick of Lindsey, Bonnie (Rob) Heminger of Helena and Cindy (Dennis) Abdoo of Toledo; ten grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by siblings, Lela Overmyer, Mercedes Buehler, Robert Hetrick and an infant brother, Delbert. Visitation will be held at the Herman-Kinn-Karlovetz Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Fremont on Wednesday, June 25, 2014 from 3-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Thursday 11 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, Fremont. Pastor Robert Young will officiate, and burial will follow at Faith Lutheran Cemetery. Military Honors will be provided by the V.F.W. Post 2947 and American Legion Post 121. Memorials may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Faith Lutheran Church, or to a charity of the donor's choice.