Kristie Hetzel

In Loving Memory of Kristie Hetzel
A Tribute to a Life Well Lived
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kristie Lou Hetzel, who departed this world on 8 May 2025 at the age of 68. Born on September 2, 1957, in Milwaukee WI. Kristie touched the lives of many with her selfless kindness, unwavering dedication, and most giving love. She sacrificed her needs above others especially in caring for her mother and her wife, Jackie. She also gave a great sacrifice by being an organ donor after death.
Early Life
Kristie grew up in Arundel, Maine, and had a heart of gold. She assisted her older sister, Shirley, with taking care of her four younger siblings while their parents worked. (Her older brothers were in the military or in college.) Kristie had 7 brothers and 2 sisters. Although she had no children, her caretaking skills became relevant throughout her life. She was the second mother to many nieces and nephews. She would spend hours playing or helping with homework or talking about life lessons to them. She was the calm aunt that would listen to you and offer unbiased sound advice.
Career and Accomplishments
Kristie developed a love for refurbishing antiques and painting. In the beginning of her career, she worked for a local contractor, Custom Homes, which encouraged her to start her own painting business, Hetzel Painting. Her integrity was evident as she seen each job as her personal signature. Many high-end jobs were beach front properties in Southern Maine. Her younger siblings, Glen, Guy, and Tina occasionally helped her. Her brother, Larry, became her business partner after he retired from the military in 2002.
Family and Personal Life
Kristie was a Christian exemplifying Love. "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, IF YOU LOVE ONE ANOTHER." John 13:35. She carried this selfless trait throughout her life and for her Family. She was a devoted Aunt to 21 nieces and nephews and plethora grandnieces and grandnephews!
Kristie collected unique driftwood, rocks, and sea glass. She enjoyed creating stained glass and reading. Kristie treasured the following poem by Beth Stuckwisch:
When I come home to Heaven
How joyful it will be!
For on that day at last
My risen Lord I'll see.
No greater happiness than
To see Him face to face
To see the love in His eyes
And feel His warm embrace.
I've done nothing to deserve
That perfect home above.
It was given freely through
The grace of Jesus' love.
Then why should earthly cares
Weigh down upon me so?
They'll be a distant memory
When home at last I go.
Kristie is survived by her loving wife Jackie Labbe, her siblings Stan, Shirley, Larry, Guy, Glen, and Tina. She is predeceased by both her parents, Viginia and Howard Hetzel, brothers, Dan, Timmy, and Jimmy James.
The celebration of Kristie's life will be held on 20 July 2025 at Dutch Elm Golf Course in Arundel, ME from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Parkinson's Foundation (parkinson.org) in memory of Kristie's Mom.
We find solace in the knowledge that Kristie is with God and our memories of her will continue to guide and inspire us. She is no longer with us, but her love shines brightly in our hearts forever.
Rest in peace, Kristie. You will be deeply missed but never forgotten