Jackie “Jack” Lynn Hetterscheidt

      Jackie “Jack” Lynn Hetterscheidt, the most loving and caring husband, dad, and poppy passed away surrounded by his family on Friday, August 11 at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale. He was 80 years old.
     Dad was born in Harrisburg on May 22, 1943, to the late John and Vivian (Webb) Hetterscheidt. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he proudly served in the Vietnam War. While in the Marines, he was awarded multiple medals including the M-14 Rifle Expert badge. When his service to our country was over, he returned to Harrisburg and worked for Smith Packing Plant before moving on to work through Operating Engineers Local 318 and Peabody Will Scarlett mine for 50 years. He was also a member of the American Legion in Harrisburg.
     Dad enjoyed everything outdoors. He loved “playing” on the tractor, taking care of the yard, working in the pole barn, camping, and fishing. But most of all he enjoyed his family and the multiple grandchildren his lovely kids blessed him with. On August 31, 1974, Dad married the love of his life, Donna (Cheshier). Their love for each other was undeniable in both the best and worst of times. Together our parents had four amazing children: a son, Jackie (Kim) Morrison of Littleton, Colorado, three daughters, Michelle (Chris) Douglas of Harrisburg, Joni (Mike) Sullivan of Harrisburg, and Jamie, who was waiting on him in Heaven, (Scott) Mitchell of Harrisburg. But the best was yet to come. Dad or Poppy, as some of his favorite people would call him, was blessed abundantly by his children with a plethora of grandchildren; Jordan, Elijah (Taylor), Gabriel, Nikaya, Daykota, Noah, Aiden, and Naven Douglas, Logan, Landon, Laney (fiancé Trey), Lawson, and Livvie Sullivan, Jack Mitchell, Meranda (Ryan) Jack, and Merrisa (Justin) Eisenhower; great-grandchildren Eden and Anzley Douglas; and granddaughter-in-law Becca Douglas.

     He is survived by a sister, Donna Foy, and brother-in-law, Russell Gilliam, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
     He was preceded in death by his parents, our girl, Jamie, a sister, Dorothy, and a brother, John.
     Dad’s family was his world. He was always loving and encouraging to us and everyone else he ever met. He was honest and had a work ethic like no other. Dad always brought out the best in everyone and never met a stranger. He wore a smile everywhere he went, and if you didn’t have one, he would share his. That could be the reason his best friend, Bernie Shewmaker, always called him “Smilin’ Jack.”
     This is only a small glimpse into the life of the most amazing man who we got to call our own. He was and always will be the best.
Dad’s services will be held at Stricklin Funeral Home in Harrisburg. His visitation will be Monday, August 14, from 5:00- 8:00 pm with his funeral on Tuesday, August 15, at 11:00 AM. Louis and Mona DeVous will officiate. Burial will be in Sunset Garden where he will be laid to rest next to his daughter, Jamie, with full military rights.
     Flowers and/or memorial contributions to the Wounded Warrior Project are equally welcome.

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