James William Hetzel

James William Hetzel, age 66, found peace on January 5, 2021. He was born on June 1, 1954 in Milwaukee, WI to Gordon and Delores (nee Schneider) Hetzel. Jim worked for Briggs & Stratton for over 30 years as a Technician and worked at Trace-A-Matic for 10 years before he retired. He proudly served as a Volunteer Firefighter for 17 years at the Okauchee Fire Department. Jim loved a nice cold beer. He loved RVing, motorcycles, and snowmobiling. He loved to travel with his wife. Jim was a very loving, sweet, caring person. He was always there if you needed anything. Jim will be deeply missed. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Judith; step-son Gerald Klingman, Jr.; daughter Stacey (Kevin) Barr; brother David (Debbie) Hetzel; two grandchildren; nieces and nephews; along with many other family and friends. Jim is preceded in death by his parents; his step-son Gregory Scott Klingman; his twin brother Gerald Hetzel and his other brother Gordon Hetzel; sister-in-law Nan; and niece Jenny Peters. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s name can be made out to the Oconomowoc Food Pantry. A special thank you to the caregivers at Lakewood Alzheimer’s Special Care Center and to the wonderful people who took care of Jim at Ascension Elmbrook Hospital, Aurora Clinic-Hartland, and the St. Croix Hospice staff. A visitation will take place on January 10, 2021 from 10:00am-12:00pm at Pagenkopf Funeral Home (1165 E. Summit Avenue, Oconomowoc, WI 53066). A service will follow with Pastor Wes Werner presiding. A Celebration of Jim’s Life will take place in Spring 2021.