Dianne Lynn Hettinger
Dianne Lynn Hettinger, 74, was called home to the Lord at sunset on April 23, 2026. She was surrounded by family when she entered into rest. If there were angels on earth, she was one. Dianne was born on March 19, 1952, in Escanaba, Michigan, and was the daughter of Marvin and Delores (Hill) Kivekas. She graduated from Rock High School in 1970, top of her class. Soon after high school graduation, she moved to Lansing, Michigan, where she met the love of her life, Dennis Hettinger, under fireworks on the 4th of July in 1970. They were married shortly after, on April 3, 1971. They were married for 55 years. They had a love like no other, anyone that knew them knew how strong their love was. “Together Forever HB + Me” — Dianne. They were blessed with two daughters, Michelle and Kristen, and four grandchildren, Madison, Sarah, Alexander, and Olivia.
Dianne’s greatest wealth was her family. She was loved by all who encountered her. She had a great sense of humor and when you went to her with any problem, she did not half listen, but she heard everything with her whole heart.
Dianne was also a faithful woman, with God and her family being the most important things to her. She loved returning home to the “Yooper land,” where so many cherished memories were rooted. At home, she found joy in journaling, tending to her beautiful gardens — the bunny, angel, and flower gardens — and filling the house with music, warmth, and the comforting smells of cooking and baking. She loved dancing in the kitchen with Dennis, sharing stories from the good old days, and welcoming company with coffee and homemade “goodies.” Whether it was going to the movies, enjoying picnic dates with Dennis, decorating the home, or creating beautiful flower arrangements, she brought love and care into everything she did. Above all else, what she treasured most was hearing the words, “I love you, Grandma.”
She was purpose-driven, as well as a woman who gave selflessly of her time and her words of wisdom. We will miss her forever but are eternally grateful to God for having given us the most one-of-a-kind wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend.
Dianne is survived by her husband, Dennis Hettinger; two daughters, Michelle (Christopher) Lennon and Kristen Owens (Patrick Day II); four grandchildren, Madison and Alexander Lennon, Sarah Owens (Mitchell Pollard), and Olivia Owens; her sister Julie (Loren) Whipple; and her nephew Nathan Whipple. Dianne is reunited with her parents, Delores and Marvin Kivekas; her brother, Dwayne Kivekas; her nephew, Ian Kivekas; her grandma and grandpa, Clara and Reno Kivekas; her and Dennis’s beloved kitty cat, Maynard; and other loving family and friends.
Friends are encouraged to support Dianne’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Wednesday, April 29, 2026, 5 to 8 p.m. Funeral services were Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Chris Lennon officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Preborn! (give.preborn.com) or Disabled American Veterans (DAV.org). The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.