David J. Hetrick

David "Dave" John Hetrick, 73, died Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, after a series of unexpected health events.

Born on Oct. 17, 1950 to parents John and Juanita Hetrick, he grew up with older brother, Gerald. As a young man, he met wife, Joyce, at the Fort Wayne Three Rivers Festival after an errant frisbee crossed their paths. Shortly after, they wed and enjoyed an adventurous life together working across the West Coast, living out of a "skoolie" and embracing a hippie lifestyle. In this early part of his life, Dave began a lifelong personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Over time the growing family returned to Indiana.

A caring father, Dave provided for his family working maintenance at Cameron Memorial Hospital. His self-reliant approach to fixing things was well known, which he taught his children, fostering confidence and independence. Quick to joke and never stingy with a laugh, he will be greatly missed.

He is survived by three children: son, Gabriel (Ashley), of Bronson, Mich.; daughter, Grace, of Alexandria, Va.; and daughter, Sarah, of Atlanta, Ga., and five grandchildren: Megan (Dextin), Michael, Madison, Angelina, and Chloe.

While Dave had an affinity for working with his hands, he was especially known as a guitarist and songwriter, using his musical talent to share his faith. He performed just as passionately onstage at a bar as a church. One of the many bands he was part of, the Simon Peter Band, led to an opportunity to record several of Dave's original songs, a life-long dream realized. He most recently continued his passion for music with the worship team at Restoration Ministries Angola.

David bravely fought a long battle with mental illness that made a permanent impact on his life, his faith, and his family. After 50 years of marriage, Joyce preceded Dave in death in early 2024; our hearts are comforted to see them reunited.