Gilbert Lee Hettich

Gilbert Lee Hettich, age 89, was born on June 16, 1936, in Louisville, Kentucky, and entered eternal life on January 3, 2026. Born and raised in Louisville's West End, Gilbert grew up alongside his five siblings in a home grounded in faith, family, and hard work. He attended Saint Anthony grade school, where his intelligence and love of learning were quickly recognized by the priests who taught and mentored him.
Encouraged by their guidance, Gilbert pursued higher education, attending Bellarmine University and graduating in the early 1960s with a degree in psychology. Drawn to service and to understanding the dignity of the human person, he continued his studies at Saint Louis University, earning a degree in public health. His academic journey later led him to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he undertook doctoral studies.
Gil eventually returned home to Louisville, where he spent many years working in probation and parole. In this role, he served with compassion, discernment, and a deep respect for every individual he encountered. Gil developed the substance use recovery program for the Kentucky prison system. His work reflected his belief in redemption, responsibility, and the possibility of transformation.
In retirement, he devoted himself wholeheartedly to his parish community at Holy Family Catholic Church. A serious student of Sacred Scripture, he found great joy in studying the Word of God and engaging in thoughtful spiritual conversations with a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. His faith was lived quietly but deeply, marked by reflection, integrity, and trust in God's providence.
Gilbert was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Sarah Hettich, and his siblings Carl, AJ, Mary Lois, and James.
He is survived by his beloved twin brother, Phil; his children, Lynda, George, John, and Will; his grandchildren, Jessica, Anna, Jack, Sam, Ella, and Aidan; and his great-grandchild, Julian, all of whom carry forward his legacy of faith, intellect, and love.
Gil's favorite Scripture passage, Ephesians 6:14–15, speaks to the way he lived his life-standing firm in truth, clothed in righteousness, and always ready to walk in the peace of the Gospel. As we commend him to the loving mercy of our Lord, we do so with confident hope in the Resurrection and the promise of eternal life. May he now rest in the peace of Christ, reunited with those who have gone before him, and welcomed into the joy of God's everlasting kingdom.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 7, from 4:00–8:00 p.m. at Ratterman and Sons Funeral Home, 3800 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY 40218. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Family Catholic Church on Thursday, January 8, at 10:00 a.m., with burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Holy Family Catholic Church in Gilbert's honor.