Arthur Bernard “Bernie” Hetland, 92, was born on November 27, 1931, in Westby, Montana, to Arthur B. and Judith A. Hetland. The family moved to Minnesota where he graduated from Johnson High School, St. Paul, Minnesota in 1949.
Bernie enlisted in the US Navy in 1952 thru 1956, where he served on the USS WASP. During this time, he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and China Service Medal. After leaving the Navy, Bernie continued his education, earning a BS degree in Business and Industrial Management from San Jose State College in 1961. Bernie went on to work as an Administrative Assistant, Cost Analyst and Program Control Administrator until becoming a Senior Cost Analyst in 1969 for North American Rockwell, which was later acquired by Boeing. Bernie retired from Boeing in 1991, after a successful career in the aerospace industry working on the Space Shuttle.
In 1970, Bernie married Dolores Marie Gattuso and added her two daughters: Karen Lee Nielson Clark and Kristy Ann Nielson to his family. They resided for many years in Southern California, Vancouver, Washington, and for the past 23 years, Murrieta, California.
Bernie had many interests, including model trains, crossword puzzles, football, cars and movies, and he had been a loyal member of the ELKS since 1967.
Arthur Bernard Hetland was preceded in death by his wife of 41 years, Dolores Marie Hetland, his parents Arthur B. and Judith A. Hetland, his sisters Ardis Cook Lisa and Margaret Turner, his niece Tammy Turner and nephew Todd Turner.
Arthur Bernard Hetland is survived by his two stepdaughters: Karen Lee Clark and husband Brian Clark of Roseburg, Oregon and Kristy Ann Nielson and fiancé William Lorber of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, grandson: Austin Clark and wife Noel Clark with great grandchildren: Fiona Clark and Westley Clark, and granddaughter: Alison Wing and husband Tyrone Wing with great grandchildren: Justice Wing, Hansen Wing and Landon Wing, and nephews: Trent and Troy Turner. Also surviving is Bernie’s girlfriend of 9 years: Karen Sue McKenna.
Arthur Bernard Hetland went to be with the Lord peacefully in his home after a 2 1/2-year battle with lung cancer on January 7th, 2024. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. He will be missed and forever loved.
