Bloomingdale Twp., MI, passed away Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at home with his family by his side. John was born October 18, 1936 in Allegan to John W. and Wayve C. (Patchin) Hettinger. He lived in the Allegan and Gobles area most of his life. John graduated from Plainwell High School in 1954. He served in the U.S. Army from 1955-57, then returned to the area. He retired from Rockwell International and then pursued his passion for training horses, spending summers in Michigan and winters in Hawkinsville, GA. He will also be remembered for his love of hunting and fishing, and his great sense of humor which stayed with him until his last days. He was a member of the Allegan County Pleasure Riders, the Allegan County Sheriff Department Mounted Division, the Bloomingdale Conservation Club, the United States Trotting Association and the Michigan Harness Horseman's Association. In 1956 John married Doris "Sis" Purgraski, she preceded him in death in 1969. In 1972 he married Jan (Pierce) Blakeman, his wife of 37 years, and she survives. Also surviving are six children and their spouses, Kathy (Tim) Clawson of Allegan, Kevin (Trina) Blakeman of Gobles, John M. (Karen) Hettinger of Otsego, Cindy (Rob) Forrest of Gobles, Steve (Karen) Hettinger of Bluffton, SC and Roger (Kim) Hettinger of Jackson; thirteen grandchildren, Kahea (John), Kimo, Keone (Whitney), Drew, Jessica (Travis), Kyle, Sarah, Dusty, Shay, Trenton, Noah, Stacey (Derick) and Jason; six great grandchildren, Maile, Zachary, Jaiden, Kashis, Aiden and Ryleigh; a sister, Kathryn Sue Bell of Maryland; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Friends may call from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel where funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, January 23, with Pastor David Pabis officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Wings of Hope Hospice, the American Cancer Society or the charity of one's choice. Please click here to view the video tribute