Pearl L. Hetherington

Pearl Lena Koehler Hetherington, age 99, passed away on January 11, 2024 with her family at her side. Pearl married William John Hetherington, Jr. September 8, 1946 in Plymouth, Wisconsin and started their family.

Pearl had been a member of St John United Church of Christ of Appleton, Wisconsin. A member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 38 of Appleton, and a Life member of the VFW Auxiliary Appleton. She was a very active member in both auxiliaries.

Pearl worked as a waitress on Friday nights for the American Legion Club, forever. She also worked in the kitchen of the club helping out with weddings and banquets up to the age of 90. She loved the time spent with her co-workers and was always bringing home new recipes. Pearl was a great cook and baker, passing her skills on to all of her children.

Pearl loved to play cards and to go gambling with her friends, Millie, Jean and Joy. She enjoyed traveling up north to the cabin, Hatchett, with Lynn and Jim and always wondering what was on the menu for the week. It was always, ALL ABOUT THE FOOD! She loved being invited to all the families birthday parties and celebrations, which kept her busy. Having 15 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren she was always on the go.

Pearl was an amazing woman who was a role model for her family and friends of love, perseverance and resiliency with both the joys and challenges of a long life.

Pearl is survived by her children: Lynn (Jim) Schnetzer, Jay (MaryJo) Hetherington, Kim (Jean) Hetherington, Terry Hetherington (Pat Marso), Daughter-in-law Maribeth Hetherington,  

15 Grandchildren: Erik (Bridget) Schnetzer, Lisa Schnetzer Haut, Jason Schnetzer, Jennifer (Aaron) Madison, Mike (Amanda LaMothe) Hetherington, Tim Hetherington, Sara (Jeff) Malchow, Erin (Peter) Stahlschmidt, Laura (Dave) McGuire, Craig (Corey) Hetherington, Stacey (Aaron Potratz) Hetherington, Ashley (Mike Clark) Hetherington, Ryan Hetherington, Tyler Hetherington, Tricia Gibson, 28 Great Grandchildren: Grace, Connor, Zoe, Brendan, Alexandria (Alex), Dakota, Sydney, Wesley, Kendra, Joshua, Jakob, Ryder, Rayne, Aubrey, Henry, Grace, Mckelle, Layton, Victoria, Jacob, Finn, Austin, Bentley, Preston, Dominic, Ellie, Leonardo, and Winter, great-great-granddaughter Lynette, as well as many other family and friends.

Preceded in death by her husband William John (Bill) Hetherington Jr of 41 years, daughters, Becki Beth and CathyJo and a son, Scott William Hetherington.

There will be a memorial service on January 31, 2024 at 6:00 PM at Wichmann Funeral Homes, Tri County Chapel at 1592 Oneida Street, Menasha with Rev. Lynn Martin officiating. There will be a visitation at the funeral home on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM.  Please consider leaving a message of sympathy for Pearl's family below.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to St John United Church of Christ, The American Legion Auxiliary or to Families of Children with Cancer (FOCWC.org) in the name of Pearl Hetherington.

Thank you to all the workers at Theda Care Peabody Manor for her care during her stay and ThedaCare Hospice for the extra care.