Jutta Ingrid Hettinger

She was born on May 5, 1940, in Hamburg, Germany. Emigrating to the United States with her family in 1955, she was graduated from South Bend High School and pursued additional education throughout her career.

She was married to James F. Hettinger on August 22, 1984.

Jutta enjoyed a brilliant career in international economic development on behalf of Battle Creek, Michigan. She oversaw the development and management of Foreign Trade Zone 43 in Battle Creek, which, under her leadership, became Michigan’s busiest Foreign Trade Zone. She headed up the City of Battle Creek’s downtown redevelopment efforts and was instrumental in bringing the headquarters of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to the downtown area. She also served on the board of the Southeast Michigan Gas Company in Battle Creek.

Jutta had a passion for family, flowers, travel, and physical fitness. She was an ardent fan of the Western Michigan University Hockey Broncos.

She is survived by her husband James of Ganges Township, daughter Penelope (Michael) Bonner of Rochester Hills, and son Timothy Smith of Palm Harbor, Florida. Jutta is also survived by brother Gerhard (Judy) Judjahn of Brighton, Michigan, brother-in-law Marc Hettinger of Palm Springs, California, grandchildren Heather Bonner, Tate (Jake) Multer, and Rylee Smith, and great grandchildren Lincoln and Grace Multer.

No funeral arrangements are contemplated. The family requests that donations be sent to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or to Hospice of Michigan in her honor.