John Hetlinger, beloved husband, father, and grandfather left this world on May 14, 2023. He was born on January 1, 1934, in Huron, South Dakota to Emil Hetlinger and Marie Hetlinger.

John studied at Huron High School and graduated in 1951. He then went to the SD School of Mines and earned his chemistry bachelor's. John's many careers were impressive, he was a Lutheran minister, the program manager for the Hubble Space Telescope, he worked with the space-based infrared systems defense, and he worked on the Apollo Saturn program. He also served as a US Navy Pilot.

In his first marriage to Marcia Stelow, he had four children: Virginia, Mary, Pamela, and Brad. John's recent wife Marcy Lewis married him in 1980, and he adopted AJ and Beth. It's no wonder he had worked so many careers, six kids are enough to keep a man busy and stressed!

John was known for his love of karaoke. His sheer passion for singing was unmatched. His rendition of "Bodies" by Drowning Pool on America’s Got Talent will forever be legendary. John's fans eagerly anticipated his performances and were never disappointed.

John was a character that could never be forgotten. He always left an impression, whether it was his unmistakable bald head or his infectious laugh. John's pacemaker was turned off, and he died of heart failure. Surprisingly, it was not caused by karaoke-related screaming.

John's family would like to thank everyone who has reached out to them in their time of grief, and they ask that you remember John by donning your best bald cap and singing "Bodies" as loud as you can. Rest in peace, dear John.