Charles John Hettling

The funeral service for Charles "Charlie" Hettling, 82, of Minneota, will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 2, 2026, at Hope Lutheran Church in Minneota. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment with military honors will follow the service at Hope Lutheran Cemetery in Minneota.
Charles John "Charlie" Hettling was born on August 6, 1943, in Marshall, MN, to Floyd and Agnes (Myhre) Hettling. He grew up on the family farm near Minneota and graduated from Minneota High School in 1961. Charlie enlisted and served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He served his country honorable for three years including one year in Vietnam as part of the Second Batallian, Fifth Marines. After his active duty, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and obtained the highest enlisted rank. Charlie started and operated an automotive repair business in Minneota. He also was a bus driver and mechanic. He drove for Minneota Public Schools and, later, for Palmer Bus Company in Cottonwood. He was also a "Gentleman Farmer."
Charlie was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed traveling. Highlighted trips included 33 trips back to Vietnam, and one special trip with family to Norway where he visited his grandmother's farm and other special places. He enjoyed estate sales, collecting items and old-time re-enactments. Charlie was proud of his service. He and his brother, Royal, founded the Vietnam Memorial and History Center and were instrumental in bringing the Travelling Wall to Minneota Boxelder Bug Days for the 150th City Anniversary in 2006.
Charlie died unexpectedly at his residence on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, in Minneota. He is survived by his siblings Carol (Keith) Seifert of Mankato, Danny Hettling of Minneota, Royal (and Karen) Hettling of Minneota, Judy (Jim) Maurer of Huxley, IA, eight nieces and nephews and special friend Lurene Holm of Henning, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister-in-law, Shirley Hettling.
Memorials can be made to The Vietnam Memorial and History Center and sent to Royal Hettling, 311 N. Grant St., Minneota, MN 56264.
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