Contributions to the tribute of Michael F. Hettinger

G

Gary Stanley uploaded photo(s)

Tuesday, October 31, 2023

It isn't mentioned in the obituary but Mr. Hettinger started out as a high school math teacher at Lisle Community High School after graduating from St. Procopius College. His passing was just disclosed on the 'Friends of Lisle High School" facebook page (in Oct, 2023). It is heartening that so many alumni have expressed condolences to his family and expressed their remembrance and high esteem for Mr. Hettinger. I had Mr. Hettinger for several math classes in the early 1960's and he was one of my very favorite teachers. Many other alumni have stated the same. Through the years I always wondered what had become of him after he left the high school in, I believe, 1967. I am so glad to finally know that he prospered and lived a good life surrounded by a loving family. RIP Mr. Hettinger. Godspeed.

R

Rich Mason uploaded photo(s)

Tuesday, October 31, 2023

I was a grateful student of Michael Hettinger at Lisle High in the early 1960s. A few months ago I wrote the following REMINISCENCES of him on Facebook. I wish I could have contacted him. Rich Mason, LCHS Class of 1965. Reminiscences of Michael Hettinger, Teacher, LCHS, Early 1960s He used to play Chopin in his room after school. I always think of him when I hear Chopin, especially the Grande Polonaise. I was first introduced to Mr. Hettinger on the first day of school in my sophomore year, 1962-63. I can’t remember whether or not this would have been right after Labor Day. I had had Geometry the previous year (Mr. Mohler) and Algebra in 8th grade (Mrs. Fernald), so this was a step up, Advanced Algebra. Quadratic equations and all that. His introductory remarks to the class terrified us all. Time has dimmed my memory as to his exact words, but the gist was, “half of you shouldn’t be here, and those who stay had better be prepared for an ordeal, and prepared to work extremely hard.” I was frightened to death. I went home and told Mom that I was going to drop out of this class. I don’t remember Mom’s reaction. I suspect she was torn, wanting me to take the challenge but sensitive to my appeal. But it was my brother Ken who influenced the outcome. Ken (LCHS Class of 1960) was still at home, as he had not left for college yet, to begin his junior year. He made it clear that I should take the course despite my fears. Quite emphatic, quite insistent really, quite persuasive. So, I stayed in the course. I still have the textbook we used (pictured). I loved the course and, as I reflect on it, it was one of my favorite courses of all time. I missed only one question on the final, as I had blown a sign. Mr. Hettinger noted this in his comment in my yearbook (pictured). He was, as so many of our teachers were, extremely supportive of the students, and came to our games, volunteering to help out (pictured). In all seriousness, as I think of life and if I had to do it all over again, I would be sorely tempted to be a math teacher, teaching Algebra, Geometry, and Advanced Algebra, and maybe Trigonometry, thanks to teachers such as Mrs. Fernald, Mr. Mohler, Mr. Hettinger, and Mr. Bark. I took Probability and Statistics from Mr. Hettinger and found it quite difficult. When I got sick and missed a day, I came back and found the material being taught almost incomprehensible. I never took Calculus, and really never wanted to. So, my love for math stopped at Advanced Algebra and Trig. My last memory of Mr. Hettinger relates to our Class of 1965 graduation, in June of 1965. As our class was filing out of the gym, in front of our parents, friends, and teachers, we got into the hallway and I looked over and saw Mr. Hettinger, who was in tears.

A

Anonymous purchased flowers

Saturday, June 24, 2023

Anonymous

purchased the Florist's Choice Bouquet for the family of Michael Hettinger. Send Flowers

Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

A

Anonymous purchased flowers

Monday, June 19, 2023

Anonymous

purchased the Medium Dish Garden for the family of Michael Hettinger. Send Flowers

Brian and Jamie -All our love, - Jack, Kristin, Grace, Dillon, Ted, Cyd, Clayton, Bob, Katie, Sam, and Joe

A Memorial Tree was planted for Michael Hettinger

Monday, June 19, 2023

We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at McMurrough Funeral Home Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree

In loving memory of

Michael

1940 - 2023

Plant a tree in memory of Michael