Edwin Hetz Jr.

Hetz, Edwin Jr.
86, of Glendale, AZ passed away on March 4, 2011 surrounded by family. Born in Baltimore, MD in 1924, he was the son of Edwin Hetz, Sr. and Mary Louise Hetz. Moving to Arizona in 1932 with his parents, he graduated from Kenilworth School and from North High School's first four year class in 1943. The day after graduation, he entered the United States Army and served in combat in Europe in 1944-1945 in the 93rd Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mechanized), 13th Armored Division, Third Army. Following his discharge from the army, he joined the Phoenix Police Department in 1946 (Badge 94). After more than 32 years of service, he retired in 1979 as Duty Major (subsequently changed to Assistant Chief of Police). He then served an additional ten years as the Director of Security for the Arizona Lottery Commission. He continued in that role until finally retiring in 1991 after more than 45 years of public service. In 1951 he married the woman who would be his enduring passion, Allene M. Ferguson. In addition to his wife of 59 years, he is survived by his children, Vicki Nell Zemke (Daniel) of Glendale, AZ; Edwin David Hetz (Elizabeth) of Kennebunkport, ME; and Mark James Hetz of Gold Hill, OR; grandchildren Jennifer Allene Morrison (Andrew) of Surprise, AZ; Elizabeth Kathryn Zemke of Honolulu, HI; Katelyn Danielle Zemke of Glendale, AZ; Edwin Hetz III, Victoria Crisler Hetz, Henry Prescott Hetz and William Ferguson Hetz, all of Kennebunkport, ME; and one great-grandchild, Alexis Vicki Morrison, of Surprise, AZ. He was preceded in death by his parents, who are also interred at Greenwood Memorial Cemetery. An avid student of history and politics, Ed's other favorite pastimes were traveling to visit children and grandchildren, getting together with family in town, genealogy, attending reunions with his fellow WWII veterans, mastering the daily cross word puzzle, and meeting regularly for breakfast with his old law enforcement colleagues. Never hardened by his combat experiences or years of law enforcement, he was a decent, honorable man of few words who lived life on his own terms. Deeply loved by his family, Edwin Hetz, Jr. will be greatly missed by all who knew him. At his request, a private family memorial service has taken place at Greenwood Memorial Cemetery. Chapel of the Chimes handled the arrangements.