Upcoming Events
Mar
14
Mar
14
Funeral service
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
808 Weiss St., Saginaw, MI 48602
Send FlowersBook nearby hotelsServices provided by
Wakeman Funeral HomeJames Hetzner Obituary
Saginaw, Michigan
Passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at Barton Woods Assisted Living, Freeland, Michigan. Age 76 years. Jim was born on December 6, 1949, in Saginaw, Michigan to the late Elmer G. and Mildred M.M. (Pacholke) Hetzner. He was married to Carol Bartels on September 30, 1972, in Saginaw where she survives him. Prior to his retirement in 2008, Jim was employed at GM Powertrain for 39 years. He was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church where he was a Trustee and sang in the choir. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and was proud of is "going to do" list.
Besides his wife, Carol, Jim is survived by four children and their spouses, Jennifer Hetzner, Michael (Rania) Hetzner, Jonathan (April) Hetzner, and Daniel Hetzner; five grandchildren, Holdan, Gabe, Genevieve, Henry, and Harper; sister-in-law, Beth Bartels; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends.
He was also predeceased by two sisters, Janice Sowatsky and Marilyn Bloomfield.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to Kelsey and the staff at Barton Woods Assisted Living and Heart to Heart Hospice for the wonderful and heartfelt care they gave to Jim.
Funeral service will take place 12:00 Noon on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church 808 Weiss St., Saginaw. The Rev. Gary Bender will officiate with burial in Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Memorials may be given to Bethlehem Lutheran Church or Heart to Heart Hospice. Memories and sympathies of James may be shared with the family on his memorial website at WakemanFuneralHome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
1218 N Michigan Ave, Saginaw, MI 48602
Make a Donation
in James Hetzner's name
People and places connected with James
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support James's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor James Hetzner's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Upcoming Events
Mar
14
Mar
14
Funeral service
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
808 Weiss St., Saginaw, MI 48602
Send FlowersBook nearby hotelsServices provided by
Wakeman Funeral Home