Renate Hetrick

ALBURGH - Renate Hetrick, age 84, passed away on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at her home in Alburgh with her loving family by her side. Renate was a beloved mother, grandmother, friend, and member of the Alburgh community.

She was born March 16, 1941 to the late Hans & Herta (Broscheid) Dihler.

Renate was born in Germany, where she spent her childhood surrounded by love, laughter, and the nurturing embrace of her family. She attended trade school to become a beautician and embraced her passion for life through ballet dancing in her younger years.

In the 1950's, Renate's life took a beautiful turn when she met Larry Hetrick Sr. while he was stationed in Landstuhl, Germany. Their love blossomed, and together they began a remarkable journey across the globe as a military family. Renate embraced each new adventure with grace and resilience, often recalling her cherished time in Guam amid the palm trees that brought her joy.

A strong and courageous woman, Renate made the brave decision to come to the United States, where she faced the challenge of a new language and culture with unwavering determination. With her entrepreneurial spirit, she opened and operated her beloved store, Rumpel Box, where she created countless friendships in her community. Renate owned and operated her store for about 40 years.

Renate was deeply devoted to her family, taking great pride in caring for them and ensuring they were always well-presented for occasions. As a grandmother, she found immeasurable joy in celebrating Christmas Eve and Easter with her loved ones, creating cherished memories that will live on in their hearts. Her kindness extended to the children and animals in the Alburgh community, where she was a beloved figure.

Renate leaves behind her cherished family, her children, Walter Hetrick and his partner Kathy of Fairfax, Larry Hetrick Jr. and his wife Bonnie of St. Albans, Cindy Boren and her husband Steve of St. Albans, and Caryn Hetrick of St. Albans Bay; grandchildren, Kristy, Jennifer, Phylicia, Shaun, Matthew, Aaron, Eric, Ariel and Cassandra; great grandchildren, Alexa, Brayden, Ava, Maeve, Aiden, Gavin, and Calvin; brother, Bandi; brothers-in-law, Harry Hetrick Jr., and Dave Sipe; several nieces and nephews, especially Ralph, Ronnie, Richard and Elisabeth; best friend, Bridget Calhoun; beloved neighbors, Keith & Doreen Brown; her cherished canine companion, Mini; and countless friends around the world. In addition to her parents, Renate was predeceased by her husband, Larry Hetrick Sr., siblings, Eva Labelle, and Peter; and brothers-in-law, Ronald Hetrick, Richard Hetrick, and Ted Sipe;

Friends & family are invited to Renate's life celebration on Friday, April 4, 2025 to include visitation from 1-2:00 PM followed with a funeral service at 2:00 PM at the Goss Life Celebration Home, 89 Grand Avenue, Swanton, VT. Interment will follow in St. Amadeus Cemetery in Alburgh.

For those who wish, contributions in Renate's memory may be made to Franklin County Animal Rescue, 30 Sunset Meadows, St. Albans, VT 05478.

Condolences, photos and favorite memories may be shared through www.gossfs.com