Robert Francis Hettler

Robert 'Bob' Hettler, age 92, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 24, 2025, at The Haven at Brandermill Woods in Midlothian, VA. He was preceded in death by his wife of almost 70 years, Saide Hettler, a son, David Hettler (Sheri), two brothers, Jim and Bill Hettler, and a sister, Amy McIroy. Bob is survived by two children, Neil Hettler (Karen) and Barbara Womack (Steve), seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Bob was born in Altoona, Pennsylvania, in 1933. He spent much of his childhood in Bethany, West Virginia, before moving to Elyria, Ohio, where he graduated from High School. Bob attended Bethany College, where he played basketball. He graduated with a BS degree in Chemistry.

It was at Bethany College where Bob met Saide Kuuse. They were married in New York City in 1955 at the Estonian Lutheran Church. Bob and Saide briefly lived in Maryland when Bob was in the Army, and in Cleveland, OH, when he worked at US Steel, before moving to Midland, MI, in 1961 when he accepted a job with Dow Chemical. In 1973, they were transferred to Walnut Creek, CA, where they stayed until 1981 before moving back to Midland. After retiring from Dow in 1992, Bob and Saide moved to Midlothian, VA in 1994, buying a home in Brandermill. In 2020, they moved to the Brandermill Woods retirement community.

In addition to raising three children, Bob enjoyed fishing, camping, tennis, and was a Master Gardener. He was also a lifelong Cleveland Browns and Guardians fan. In retirement, Bob and Saide enjoyed travel, taking trips all over the world, including Australia, China, Africa, the Amazon, Egypt, and England.

The family plans to hold a small private memorial service at a future date. Instead of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the Jim Hettler Scholarship Fund at Bethany College, Bethany, W. VA 26032.