Frances Philomena (Carlson) Hettinger

 Frances Philomena Hettinger, 92, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away surrounded by family, on Monday, November 10, 2025, at the Regional Medical Center in Manchester. She was born on August 26, 1933, on the family farm near Watkins, the daughter of Elmer and Elizabeth (Becker) Carlson. Frances was raised and educated in Newhall.

On April 15, 1952, Frances was united in marriage to Alfred Hettinger at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Newhall. Eleven children were born to this union. The couple farmed together. 

Frances was a longtime member of Immaculate Conception Church in Masonville. Frances loved the outdoors. She was in her realm of happiness when she was tending to her flowers and vegetable garden, raising sheep, chickens and selling eggs. Frances also enjoyed bird watching. For many years, Frances and Alfred loved going to the casino. She always loved going to the casino when she could. Even though Frances loved and cherished her children, her love for her grandbabies, or any babies for that matter, was endless.

Survivors include her ten children, Rita (David) Zirtzman of Earlville, Dwayne (Lynn) Hettinger of Dundee, Diane (Bruce) Brown of Manchester, Debbie Vargason of Winthrop, Dwight (Evelyn) Hettinger of  Spring Hill, Florida, Delbert (Janeen) Hettinger of Aurora, Ron (Shirley) Hettinger of Central City, Rodney (Kim) Hettinger of Strawberry Point, Roger (Susan) Hettinger of Manchester, and Randy Hettinger of Dundee; 56 grandchildren; 101 great-grandchildren; 13 great-great-grandchildren; son-in-law, Richard Koester of Arizona; brother, Lester (Sandra) Carlson of Des Moines; sister-in-law, Marlene Hettinger of Independence; and many nieces and nephews.

Frances was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Alfred Hettinger; one daughter, Donna Newman; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild; daughter-in-law, Amy Jo Hettinger; two brothers, Eldo (Betty) Carlson and Raymond (Marlys) Carlson; and two sisters, Agnes (Edward) Tjaden and Margaret (Archie) Hoeck.

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