STURTEVANT – Mr. Robert D. Hetland, 79, with his family at his side, died in St. Mary's Medical Center on Saturday, April 22, 2006. He went to his final reward after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

He was born in West Salem on August 23, 1926, the son of the late Adolph and Farroll (nee: Smith) Hetland. On January 13, 1951, here in Racine, he was united in marriage to the former Frances Jewell. After his retirement, the Hetland's moved to Wautoma, where they lived for over 11 years until moving back to Racine due to his failing health. Mr. Hetland served his country with the United States Army during World War II. He had been employed by S.C. Johnson and Son for over 38 years, retiring in 1988. Mr. Hetland was a member of the First Church of God and the S.C. Johnson 20-Year Club. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening.

Surviving are his loving wife of 55 years, Frances; their children, Rick (Mindy) Hetland, Nancy Henningfeld, James Hetland, and Robert Hetland, all of Racine; grandchildren, Kendra and Kayla Hetland, Holly and Cory Henningfeld, Vanessa Hetchler, and Michael Hetland; great-grandchildren, Jared, Conner, and Riley; brothers, Donald (Irene) Hetland, Kenneth Hetland, James (Sharon) Hetland, John (Joan) Hetland, William (Cyndy) Hetland, Thomas (Donna) Hetland, all of Racine, and Richard (Arlene) Hetland of Warrens; sisters, Beverly Trobaugh of Racine, Shirley (Richard) Dedeyne of Ringle, and Lois (Joseph) Gagliano of Chatsworth, Calif.; and his sister-in-law, Agnes Hetland of Racine. His nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends further survive him. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Vilas Hetland; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Mildred Bischoff and Mitchell Jewell; as well as a brother-in-law, Joe Trobaugh; and sister-in-law, Shirley Hetland.

The Funeral service for Mr. Hetland will be in the funeral home on Wednesday, April 26, 2006, at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. David Andrews officiating. Burial with full Military Honors will be in West Lawn Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Tuesday from 5 until 7 p.m. and in the funeral home on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. The family will be establishing memorials at the Hospitality Program at University Hospital-Madison and at the First Church of God.

The family would like to publicly thank Dr. Michael P. Mullane, his staff, and everyone at the Oncology Alliance for the care and support given the family.