James E. Hetzner

James E. Hetzner of Saginaw, Michigan, passed away on March 8, 2026, at Barton Woods Assisted Living in Freeland, Michigan, at the age of 76.

Born on December 6, 1949, in Saginaw to the late Elmer G. and Mildred M.M. (Pacholke) Hetzner, Jim married Carol Bartels on September 30, 1972, in Saginaw. He worked at GM Powertrain for 39 years before retiring in 2008. A longtime member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, he served as a Trustee and sang in the choir. Jim found great joy in fishing and hunting, and he took pride in his ever-present “going to do” list.

He is survived by his wife, Carol; their four children and spouses, Jennifer Hetzner, Michael (Rania) Hetzner, Jonathan (April) Hetzner, and Daniel Hetzner; five grandchildren, Holdan, Gabe, Genevieve, Henry, and Harper; his sister-in-law, Beth Bartels; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Jim was preceded in death by his sisters, Janice Sowatsky and Marilyn Bloomfield.

The family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care provided by Kelsey and the staff at Barton Woods Assisted Living and by Heart to Heart Hospice.