Paul A. Hetrick

Paul A. Hetrick, 77, of Genoa, passed away in his wifes arms December 25, 2015, at his home. Paul was born December 21, 1938, in Toledo, Ohio, to Gerald and Elsie (Lilje) Hetrick. He met the love of his life in 6th grade, Carolyn Hirtz, and they became high school sweethearts at the Ohio School of Deaf (OSD) in Columbus, Ohio. On June 11, 1960, they were married in Crestline, Ohio. While at OSD he was a guard on the football team and was inducted into the OSD Hall of Fame. He was also a gymnast, diver, president of the Key Club and took first place in a body builder contest. Paul was Treasurer for both the Ohio Association of the Deaf and Good Shepherd for the Deaf Lutheran Church in Toledo. He retired from The Toledo Blade after 36 years of service as a printer/typesetter. Pauls many interests were gardening, fishing, birding, the Ohio State Buckeyes and attending his grandchildrens sporting events. He learned to ride a unicycle in his 50s and was unbeatable at horseshoes. Paul loved to travel and visited 46 of the 50 states and visited all 88 counties of Ohio to see the states bi-centennial barns. Paul was a dedicated son, who cared for his mother for 20 years after his fathers death. He loved Jesus with all his heart, mind, and strength. He was adored by his family as a loving husband, father and grandfather and his smile will be missed. In addition to his loving wife of 55 years, Carolyn, Paul is survived by his children, Darlene Hetrick, Keith (Linda) Hetrick, David (Rebecca) Hetrick and Lisa (John) Pogacnik; his grandchildren, April Coy, Jason Coy, Stephanie (Corey) Wilhelm, Kayla Scherf, Brandon (Alejandra) Hetrick, Mallory Scherf, Megan (Nick) Eschenbrenner, Shane (Lindsey) Hetrick, Brent Scherf and Shaun Pogacnik; five great grandchildren with one on the way; and brother, Merlin (Vicky) Hetrick. His parents preceded him in death. Visitation will be held Monday, December 28, 2015, from 1:00-5:00 p.m., with service to follow, at Gloria Dei Church, 5845 Elmer Dr., Toledo. Private interment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions be given to Good Shepherd of the Deaf Lutheran Church, Toledo, OH; Columbus Colony Housing, Westerville, OH; or Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Perrysburg, OH. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.