He was born December 10, 1964 in Peoria, Illinois to Alfred and Donna (Ewers) Hetzel. Tod married Susan Kapraun on July 25, 1987 in Benson, Ill. She survives.
Also surviving are his parents Donna Thomas of Peoria and Alfred Hetzel of Peoria, son Aaron of Bartonville, daughter Danielle of Peoria, one brother, Marc (Michelle) Hetzel of Bartonville, and a sister, Valerie (Tim) Lindner of Morton, and many other extended family members.
Tod graduated from Limestone High School and earned Associates Degree’s in Robotics and Computer Aided Drafting Technology at Illinois Central College. He was employed for 15 years at Caterpillar, last working as a Designer/Engineer. Tod’s great efforts were acknowledged by being named on two patents, but his greatest work legacy was the friendships he formed there.
Tod was a devoted band dad for the Limestone High School Marching Band, and also volunteered for Illinois Valley Wheelm’n, The Peoria Bicycle Club, and devoted many hours to home restoration projects for the needy through Habitat for Humanity.
Tod may be best known for his love of bicycling. Whether it was a solo ride, a weekend trip with friends, a chance to cycle in Europe, a fundraiser, or a competitive criterium race, Tod was a welcome presence in the cycling community and a respected competitor. The fighting spirit of racing served him well in his 3-year battle with brain cancer.
Cremation was accorded. Services are Saturday, August 9, 2014 at Davidson-Fulton Bartonville Chapel, with visitation from 9:00- 11:00 a.m. The memorial service at 11:00 a.m. will be officiated by Pastor Art Georges. A private graveside service will follow at Smithville Cemetery in Peoria County.
Memorials can be made to the American Brain Tumor Association, 8550 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. Ste 550, Chicago, IL 60631 or the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675. Online tributes and condolences may be made at www.Davisonfultonbartonvillechapel.com
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