David John "Dave" Hetrick

David was born on October 17, 1950, to parents John “Jack” and Juanita “Nita” Hetrick. He grew up alongside older brother, Gerald, a great source of love and support his whole life.

As a young man, David met his wife, Joyce, at the Fort Wayne Three Rivers Festival after an errant frisbee crossed their paths. Shortly after, they wed. The couple enjoyed an adventurous life together working across California and Oregon, living out of a converted school bus "Skoolie" and enjoying many elements of hippie culture. It was in this early part of his life that Dave began a lifelong personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Soon after becoming parents, the young family returned to Indiana.

While Dave had an affinity for working with his hands, he was especially known as a guitarist and songwriter, using his musical talent to share his faith in several traveling ministries. He was known for performing just as passionately onstage at a bar as a church, sharing his zeal with many bandmates and friends over decades, described as "burning as a hot flame" when playing. One such group, the Simon Peter Band, led Dave to an opportunity to record several singles, a life-long dream realized. Dave most recently continued his passion for music with the worship team at Restoration Ministries Angola, where he attended regularly.

Dave was a caring father, providing for his family with a long career in maintenance at Cameron Memorial Hospital. His self-reliant approach to fixing things was well known and he often taught those skills to his children, fostering confidence and independence. Known for being quick to joke and never stingy with a laugh, he will be greatly missed. He is survived by three children, son, Gabriel (Ashley) of Bronson, Michigan; daughter, Grace of Alexandria, Virginia; and daughter, Sarah of Atlanta, Georgia; and five grandchildren, Megan (Dextin), Michael, Madison, Angelina, and Chloe.

After 50 years of marriage, Joyce preceded Dave in death in early 2024; our hearts are comforted to see them reunited.

A remembrance service for David Hetrick will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 12:00 pm at Restoration Ministries, 9030 US 20 West Maumee Street, Angola, Indiana 46703.

David bravely fought a long battle with mental illness that made a permanent impact on his life, his faith, and his family. Memorial donations may be sent to National Alliance on Mental Health https://donate.nami.org/

View more photos of Dave: https://photos.app.goo.gl/UGXABCM7ypw3xCCMA

Please enjoy Dave's testimony with the Simon Peter Band via the links:

Simon Peter Band - 2011 EP on Spotify and YouTube - "Lost and Lonely Loser" written by Dave Hetrick https://youtu.be/sPayvl27eYM?si=xvaJucqvA2zrNqfH

Simon Peter Band - Fishers of Men 2004 Release - "Walk by Faith" written by Dave Hetrick and Jeff Andrews

https://www.reverbnation.com/simonpeterband/song/6821759-walk-by-faith-clip

Simon Peter Band - Fishers of Men 2004 Release - "Someday" written by Dave Hetrick https://www.reverbnation.com/simonpeterband/song/6821456-someday