In the early hours of June 20, 2023, Cynthia (Kleist) Hetzel of Greendale, Wisconsin passed peacefully in her sleep. She was 69 years old.

Cyndi was born in Milwaukee, WI on January 18, 1954 to Roy Kleist and Helen Steiner. She lived in the area most of her life though more recently she lived in Washington State for several years before returning to Wisconsin in 2020. She found a beautiful peace in following Jesus Christ which led her to serve as a missionary in Bolivia, South America for two years and later on as a caregiver to the elderly, for which she was truly gifted. She loved birds, gardening, word games, dancing to Big Band music, and she was always up for a road trip.

Cyndi was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Helen Kleist, her husband, John D. Hetzel, her sisters Susan Kleist of Milwaukee and Linda (David) Acker of Stanley; and her brother, James (Brenda) Kleist of Oak Creek. She is survived by her two children, Kenneth (Denise) Rice of Cudahy, and Kristina (Daniel) Emmons of Greendale; grandchildren Stephen Emmons, Sarena Emmons, Alexandra Rice and Abigail Rice; her sister, Virginia (Phillip) Kolter of Franklin; her brothers, Jeffrey (Colleen) Kleist of Williams, AZ and Roy Kleist of Stanley; nieces Lynn Martinez and Julie Parrilla, as well as many more beloved extended family members and dear friends.

The funeral will be held on Sunday, June 25th at Hartson Funeral Home on 11111 W. Janesville Rd in Hales Corners. Visitation is from 1 to 3 pm followed by a memorial service at 3 pm. Interment: Highland Memorial Park Cemetery on Monday June 26th at 11 am. Meeting at cemetery gate at 10:45 am. In lieu of flowers the family would kindly accept donations to the estate.

All are welcome.