Ferdinand “Fred” Walter Hetzel, Jr., 88, of Hollywood, Maryland, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2026 at Hospice of St. Mary’s, with his loving family at his side.
Born on January 13, 1938, in Washington, D.C., Fred was the beloved son of the late Ferdinand Walter Hetzel, Sr. and Sally (nee: Weekly) Hetzel.
Fred shared over 41 wonderful years of marriage with the love of his life, Bonita “Bonnie” Rae Hetzel, whom he married on December 7, 1984. Together they built a life centered on family, hard work and many fun memories.
He is a 1956 graduate of Wilson High School and served in the United States Coast Guard Reserve for two years before his honorable discharge. He began a long career working as a CDL truck driver in his dump truck which he proudly named, “Big Stinky” for over 30 years. He took great pride in his work and the people he met along the way.
He found joy in life’s simple pleasures and had a personality that left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. He loved playing cards, especially pitch, and enjoyed hunting with family and friends in West Virginia. He was happiest outdoors— duck hunting with his friends, fishing in the Keys with his best friend David “Squeeks” Wilson, tending his garden where he grew a variety of peppers, and working in the yard. He was a phenomenal cook and you could usually find him in the kitchen cooking up something delicious, such as a family favorite, his stir fry. Above all else, Fred cherished time spent with his family, especially his children whom he loved to take snow skiing and to his favorite vacation spot, West Virginia.
In addition to his devoted wife, Bonnie, Fred is survived by his children, Robert Hetzel (Natalie) of Temple, TX; David Hetzel (Lulu) of Houston, TX; and Melissa Miedzinski (Robby) of Hollywood, Maryland. He is also survived by his stepson, Mark Cusic (Kara) of Leonardtown, Maryland. He was a proud grandfather to Jennifer Hetzel, Jessica Hetzel, Jamie Hetzel, Sabrina Hetzel, Benjamin Hetzel, Alexia Hetzel, Whitney Hetzel, Colin Hetzel, Cruz Miedzinski, Bentley Miedzinski, Paxton Miedzinski, Breton Cusic, Fisher Cusic, Savannah Cusic, and Natalie Cusic. He was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ferdinand and Sally; his sisters, June Hetzel and Susie Burtner; as well as his stepson, Billy Cusic III.
Family will receive friends for a Life Celebration Visitation on Friday, July 31, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with a Memorial Service beginning at 7:00 p.m., at Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, Maryland. Interment will be private.
Fred will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family, his hardworking spirit, his quick wit, and the countless memories he created around a card table, on the road, and outdoors. His legacy of kindness, laughter, and devotion will live on in all who knew and loved him.
Condolences to the family may be left at www.brinsfieldsfuneral.com.
Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.
To send a flower arrangement in memory of Ferdinand “Fred” Walter Hetzel, please click here to visit our sympathy store.