Ernest Eldon Hetzel

April 2, 1928 – April 3, 2012

Ernest Eldon Hetzel was born in Ackman, Colorado to Raymond and Mary Hetzel on April 2, 1928. The family moved to Appleton, Colorado where Eldon graduated from Appleton High School in 1947. After graduation he went into partnership with his dad; buying, selling and hauling hay. He retired from the Colorado State Highway Department in 1988. Eldon had many hobbies and interest; bowling, dancing, traveling, camping, gardening, and volunteering, he enjoyed playing and calling bingo often traveling to Mesquite, Nevada. However his true love was spending time with his family especially his grandchildren. Ernest is survived by his wife Leona, three step daughters Sheryl (Bob) Shirley, Jean (Ken) Walter and Dixie Unsworth, two sisters Freda Schafer and Mona Rogers, two daughters Vermelle Berry, and Glenda Shortess, one son Dennis Hetzel and one step son Keith Lesuer. He is preceded in death by both parents and two sisters. A graveside service will be held Tuesday April 10, 2012 at Grand Junction Memorial Gardens beginning at 2:00 P.M. Condolences may be left for the family at www.martinmortuary.com, in lieu of flowers please make donations to Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Colorado 390 North 12th Street Unit B Grand Junction, Colorado 81506.