Pastor James O. Hetler, 77, of Maddock, ND, died Sunday, November 24, 2013 at the Heart of America Medical Center Hospital in Rugby, ND. Funeral Services will be Friday, November 29, 2013, 1:00 PM at Zion Lutheran Brethren Church in Maddock with Pastor Luther Mathison and Pastor Dale Robbins officiating.  Burial will be in the Hesper Cemetery, Hesper, ND.  Visitation will be Friday at the church from 11am until the time of service.  Casket bearers will be:  Jeff Olson, Rick Olson,  Tim Olson,  Cody Fassett,  Wayne Rice and Duane Wright.  Music will be from Roger and Karen Hill.

James "Jim" Hetler was born July 18, 1936 to Julie (Jensen) and Harry Hetler in their home near Esmond, ND.  He attended the Rich Valley Township school,  high school in Hesper, Fergus Falls and graduated from the Benson County Agricultural and Training School in Maddock.  Jim attended NDSU in Fargo before his marriage to Katherine "Kay" Cavegn.  He then joined his father in the farming and ranching business, later forming a partnership with his brother-in-law, Lyndon Olson.  After farming about 15 years, he felt the call to attend Trinity Bible College and Seminary and became a pastor.  Jim and Kay served many churches in North Dakota, Minnesota, Montana and Wyoming.  They were also trainers for Teen Missions in Florida and worked as house parents and job trainers on ranches for mentally challenged men.  The couple worked hard, both in and outside of the ministry. The last few years before Kay's illness and their move to Maddock Memorial Home, they lived and worked in Detroit Lakes, MN.  Kay passed away August 18, 2011.

As a boy, Jim enjoyed 4-H, especially working and training cattle for showmanship.  He loved his horse, Queen, and enjoyed many rides in the country.  Jim enjoyed his friends and their many activities and loved to tease, especially his little sister.

Grateful for having shared in his life are his children:  Bradley of Laramie, WY,  Mylo of Buffalo, WY,  Damian of Detroit Lakes, MN and Carol Littlewind of Ft. Totten;  grandchildren:  Dawn,  Natasha,  Jordana,  Joshua,  Cody,  Reatta and Bryan; several great-grandchildren;  sisters:  Janet (Lyndon) Olson of Maddock and Betty Haaland of Grand Rapids, MI;  several nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; wife:  Kay;  son:  Brian Hetler;  grandson:  Delin Littlewind and a brother-in-law:  Stan Haaland.

Memorials are preferred to the Maddock Memorial Home.





Condolences:

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.  Kay will be welcoming Jim home. Georgine O'Toole and Family



Janet, Betty, and all of Jim's family, So sorry to hear of Jim's passing.  Having lived so close to his Heavenly Father, he is now singing with the angels and reunited with his loved ones who have gone before. May your memories sustain you and may God wrap his arms around you and comfort you at this time. With love, sympathy, and prayers, Cousin.. Charlotte



Goodbye Jimmy.  Knew you for 70 years. don brandvold