Elmer Elton Hettinger

1933 - 2025

INDEPENDENCE – Elmer E. Hettinger, 91 of Independence, Iowa, died on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, surrounded by family in Independence.
Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m., Saturday, August 30, at the First United Methodist Church, Independence, with burial at Wilson Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., Friday, August 29 at the White Funeral Home, Independence. Memorials may be directed to the First United Methodist Church.
Elmer Elton Hettinger was born November 29, 1933, in Muscatine, Iowa, and was a son of Clarence A. and Viola (Bruegge) Hettinger. On April 8, 1956, he was united in marriage to Isabel Marlene Catt at the First United Methodist Church, Independence.
Elmer worked as the owner/operator of his own grain truck while dedicating his other waking hours to farming, which was his true passion. In the 1980s, he transitioned from trucking to become a bus driver for the Independence School District, first part-time and then full-time. Additionally, he owned Gatesville Auto, which operated for many years from the family farm on the Quasky Diagonal.
He collected various antique cars over the years and restored old gas pumps. Friends enjoyed visiting the Hettinger farm for coffee gatherings, where he displayed his antique collectibles.
Elmer enjoyed traveling, playing cards, golfing, and spending winter months in McAllen, Texas. Above all, he treasured the time spent with his family.
He is survived by his wife, Marlene; children Scott (Jane) Hettinger of Chelsea, Iowa, Kay (Mark) Abodeely of Rowley, Iowa, Rockford (Kathleen) Hettinger of Gilbert, Arizona, and Terry (Rosa) Hettinger of Goddard, Kansas.
He is also survived by his Grandchildren: Bryce (Micayla), Blaine, Blake (Kelsey), Tristan, Brady, Tate, Chase Hettinger; Step Grandchildren: Libby (Matt) Adams, Elliott Maury, Christian (Kim) Abodeely, Ryan (Patience) Abodeely, Jared (April) Abodeely, Keane Kennedy, Chelsa (Cody) Piland, Kristen (Dalton) Doyle, Ben Spainhour, Katie Spainhour; 13 Step Great Grandchildren and many Nieces and Nephews; and Sister-in-law, Francis Hettinger, Manchester.
Elmer was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Viola Hettinger; and all of his siblings: Mary Clark, Stella Teel, Freida Kisner, Everett (Cotton) Hettinger, Alfred Hettinger, Dean Hettinger, Eldon (Lee) Hettinger, Lester Hettinger, Robert Hettinger, Richard Hettinger, and Chester Hettinger.
Online condolences may be posted at www.White-MtHope.com
Arrangements are under the care of White Funeral Home, Independence.