Obituary of Ronald Bernett Hetland

Ronald Bernett Hetland, 74, of Duluth, MN, passed away on June 25, 2024 after a courageous battle with chronic illness.

Ron was born and raised in North Dakota and was the eldest of four boys.

Ron enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1969 at the age of 19, serving during the Vietnam war. During his 2 tours of duty, Ron served on ships in several capacities, taught scuba diving while stationed in Cuba, and was assigned air traffic control while stationed at Cheyenne Mountain base in Colorado. His exemplary service earned Ron a Navy Bronze Metal.

After leaving the Navy in 1979, his transition into civilian life that included living in several different places across the United States. By 1984, Ron had settled in Duluth, MN and in 1992 Ron became the owner of Hetland & Associates, a public insurance adjusting business. Over the years and his career, Ron became a respected businessman in Duluth. He took great satisfaction in being able to help property owners who were devastated by loss from fire, water, or other damage.

Ron enjoyed people and being active. He was a member and one time president of the local Optimist Club, served on the Community Education Board for a time and even taught Country Dance classes. When his children were young, Ron helped with Scouts, soccer, and many youth group activities at church.

After retirement, Ron began to have time for hobbies which included: Fishing, boating, baking, woodworking and taking care of the family dogs. He loved to include his family, especially his grandchildren, in his endeavors.

Ron is preceded in death by his father Earl Bernett Hetland and his brother Gary (Denise) Hetland.

He is survived by his wife Tracy Pesola-Hetland, his mother Lola Hetland, Children: Son Jason Bernett (Denise) Hetland, grandchildren McKenna, Faylin, and Lyndzi Hetland. Daughter Alaina (Curtis) Golen, grandchildren Ava and Garik Ronald Golen, and step-grandchildren Dani and Mira Golen. Brothers: Arden (Donna) Hetland and Dennis (Patty) Hetland, along with many nieces, nephews and his former wife and friend, Pam Hetland.

There will be a Memorial Service at the American Legion Post 71, 5814 Grand Avenue, Duluth, MN, on Thursday, August 8, 2024 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

The Hetland family would like to extend the offer to come share stories over some light snacks and coffee or water. We will have a guest book to sign and many pictures and stories that the family have gathered. Please feel free to come by and celebrate his life with us prior to his full military honors burial.

Family and friends along with all that knew him are invited to the graveside service that will be held at the Minnesota State Veteran’s Cemetery in Saginaw, MN for his burial with full military honors that will include a Navy Honor Guard and the local American Legion Rifle Squad at 11:00 a.m., Friday August 9th.

In lieu of flowers please feel free to make a donation to the traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall tribute, "The Wall That Heals." We will present a total donation when the wall travels through Minnesota August 22nd through the 25th in Hutchinson, Minnesota.