HEAVEN JUST GOT SWEETER this past Thursday afternoon, June 22, 2023, when our precious brother-in-Christ and friend, Larry Hetzel, was gracefully welcomed into his heavenly home by his Jesus.
Although Larry was only 57 years old, he touched many, many lives in those years. In addition to other occupations in his early life, Larry served faithfully for the last 26 years as a 911 Dispatcher with the Ohio County/Wheeling, WV service center. His dedication to his work and his community was outstanding and earned Larry an Accommodation from the city and Sheriff Burgoyne during the aftermath of the severe flooding of the city in the early 2000s.
Larry was not only dedicated to his work but he was also devoted to the Lord. He was always so very supportive of his precious wife, Brenda, in her role as Board Member and Choral Director of Heaven Bound Ministries but also served as Narrator on many of the ministry events produced and directed by Heaven Bound Ministries. Because of his love for this great, God blessed Nation, Larry especially enjoyed narrating the patriotic concerts and is still well known for his recitation entitled THIS PIECE OF CLOTH. Larry’s articulate voice, accommodating attitude and humble soul always made working with him a real joy! Whether we had just finished a HB concert or another presentation of HE’S ALIVE! (Larry portrayed so convincingly a Pharisee for many years in that ministry— how out of character for that kind soul but Larry was doing a job for the Kingdom and did that job so well!!) we will always remember Larry, as we would be complimenting him on a ‘job well done’, saying to us in that very humble tone “Thank you but It takes a team!”
Larry was loved and respected by countless friends and co-workers and is survived by his Brenda (June 4 celebrated 29 years of marriage), 3 daughters, many grandchildren and great grandchildren, 2 brothers, his mother and his mother-in-law, Bren’s 2 sisters, a brother and many extended family members. Please ask God’s comfort upon all.
Brenda and her family and the Heaven Bound Ministries family are hosting Larry’s Celebration of Life at the Vineyard Church, Warden Run Rd, Wheeling, WV on Sunday, July 23, 2023, beginning at 2 PM with a time of fellowship and music. Pastor Paul Smith will begin the commemoration service at 3 with an additional time of sharing and fellowship to follow in the Fellowship Hall with light refreshments.
All are invited to come and celebrate/remember the life of this good, Godly man, Larry Hetzel.
PS If you have any photos that you would like to share, please contact Brenda’s daughter, Tracy Brandon at 724-205-8699 or Nick Gulisek at 740-238-2067. Nick will be producing a video presentation for the service.
PSS Larry’s obituary can be viewed on Altmeyer Funeral Homes, Wheeling, WV website.
