Karen S. Hetrick

Karen Sue (Swanson) Hetrick, 67, of Walthill, Nebraska passed away Friday, April 26, 2019 surrounded by her family at her home.  Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 29, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Walthill; with Pastor Brion Tolzman officiating.  Visitation will be held Sunday, April 28, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Walthill.  Burial will be held at a later date in Evergreen Cemetery in Walthill.  Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation.  Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Pender. 

Karen Sue Swanson was born on July 20, 1951 to Ray E. and Dorla A. (Warnock) Swanson in Walthill, NE.  Karen was baptized on October 13, 1957 and confirmed on May 6, 1981 in Trinity Lutheran Church in Walthill.  She attended grade school and high school in South Sioux City, NE.  On December 14, 1967 Karen married Philip E. “Flip” Hetrick in South Sioux City.  They moved to Walthill making this their new home.  Karen owned and operated a daycare for over twenty years in Walthill, before retiring and watching after her own grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

Karen enjoyed gardening, watching birds fly around her gardens and watching the Huskers every chance she had.  She was an amazing cook and could make just about anything from scratch.  Karen loved spending time with her family especially her grandchildren great grandchildren.  

Karen is survived by her daughters, Melissa (Tim) Ruge of Decatur, NE, Robin (Scott) Davis of Hubbard, NE, Jill (Tom) Ruge of Lake Park, IA; sisters, Kris (Chris) Hittle of Nickerson, NE, Kami (James) Pierce of Walthill, NE; brother, Jarrod Swanson of Wayne, NE; grandchildren, Nikki (Trevor) Mullanix and their children McKenna, Kallie and Mason, Noel Ruge (fiancé Sean Minton) and their children Brody and Jax, Hannah Davis, Hunter Davis, Tyler Ruge, Tanna Ruge and Taryn Ruge. 

Karen is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Philip “Flip” Hetrick; brother, Stephen Swanson.