Katherine Hetzer's Obituary
HETZER, KATHERINE HOPE “KATIE” Katherine Hope Hetzer of Waupaca, formerly of Stevens Point, passed away unexpectedly at Riverside Medical Center in Waupaca on Saturday, June 12, 2010.
She was born April 21, 1925 in Stevens Point to Irma Krembs Hope and William Houston Hope. The family resided in Milwaukee until the death of her father in 1937. They then returned to Stevens Point to live with Irma’s parents, Fritz and Katherine Jacobs Krembs. She graduated from P.J. Jacobs High School in 1943 and from Central State Teachers’ College in 1946 with a degree in mathematics. In 1946 and 1947, she taught Math at CSTC. From 1948 until the birth of her first child in 1951 she was employed in the accounting department at Hardware Mutual Insurance Co. On June 25, 1948, she married Howard Hetzer. They had 3 daughters. She was active in the Jefferson School PTA, was a Brownie and Girl Scout troop leader and member of the Girl Scout advisory council, and was a member of the University of Wisconsin Alumni Board of Directors. She and Howard also coordinated their high school class reunions every 5 years, including the 65th in 2007. She returned to teaching mathematics full time in 1964 to 8th graders at Emerson, Ben Franklin and P.J.Jacobs schools. She felt that it was truly a privilege for her to have taught so many talented young people. She also coached several “Math Counts” teams with great success. Each summer vacation saw her enjoying six young grandchildren at what they all called “Camp Katie” at the Hetzer home on the Waupaca Chain of Lakes. Retirement in 1987 gave her and Howard great opportunities for adventure, travel and learning. They enjoyed one month each winter on tall-ships sailing the Caribbean. Here they spent time snorkeling and visiting out-of-the-way (i.e. small) islands from the Bahamas to Venezuela. The couple studied Spanish in Mexico while living with a local family. They safaried in Kenya and studied tropical ecology in Cost Rica while tramping through rain forests, deserts and swamps. In Jamaica and San Salvador they experienced the customs, traditions and geology of the islands in Elderhostel classes of marine biology. Excursions to Alaska and Hawaii, also Elderhostel sponsored, brought thorough knowledge of both states. They traveled back roads and distant country sides while driving through Canada, Europe and the British Isles. Living on the Waupaca Chain of Lakes shore left much time for just enjoying Wisconsin. She enjoyed knitting Irish fisherman sweaters, quilting and genealogy research. Tutoring math students, studying Spanish and playing bridge filled pleasant hours. She is survived by her husband Howard. They would have been married 62 years on 6-25-2010. She is also survived by her 3 daughters: Suzi (Ray) Curler, Waupaca and Mt Pleasant, SC; Greta (Dennis) Schroeder, DeForest; and Nancy (Jim) Westenberger, Plover; 6 grandchildren: Felicity (Brian) Rafalski, Bloomfield Hills, MI; Beth (Patrick) Crenshaw, Sun Prairie; Kevin (Lauren) Curler, Charleston, SC; Phillip Houston, Nashville, TN; Brian (Kim) Curler, Holly Springs, NC; and Carol (Bob) Schroeder, Sun Prairie; and 7 great grandchildren: Daniel, Evan and Matthew Rafalski, Alyssa and Jenna Timler, Brandon Schroeder and Gavin Crenshaw. Also surviving is her sister, Patricia Shook, Madison. She was predeceased by her parents and a sister, Faith.
Per her request, there will be no services. There will be an open house celebration of her life on Thursday, June 24 from 2:00 - 5:00 PM at Simpson's Restaurant, 222 S. Main Street, Waupaca. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established in Katie’s name with the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, ATTN: Tribute Gifts, Church Street Station, PO Box 780, New York NY 10008-0780. The Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements. HOLLY FUNERAL HOME
526 S. Main Street
Waupaca, WI 54981
www.hollyfuneralhome.com
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