It's doubtful there's a person in Marquette that hasn't at least heard Bill Hetrick's name, and many of those have encountered him through his deep community involvement.
He's been an insurance agent--and much more--in Marquette for 36 years, but that chapter is closing, as Hetrick announced his retirement, effective April 1.
His insurance agency, formerly Hetrick & Associates, has changed its name and branding to
VAST, not the first change, since he started there as an insurance agent in 1975 and became a partner two years later.
Originally from Newberry, Hetrick got a bachelor's degree from Northern Michigan University. Over the years, he's been involved with the YMCA of Marquette County, the Student Leader Fellowship Program at NMU, the Bay Cliff Health Camp, Marquette Rotary Club, Marquette General Foundation, Marquette Masonic Lodge, Downtown Development Authority, and has served as a Eucharistic Minister at Marquette General Hospital. It should be no surprise, then, that he also was named Citizen of the Year in 1997.
He says in retirement, he'll be spending more time on hobbies, which include basketball, racquetball, hunting and fishing, and with his family, wife Jean and three sons.
"As I go into retirement, I look forward to the opportunity to spend more quality time with family and friends at the Newberry Elks and the Two Hearted." says Hetrick.
VAST will hold an open house to celebrate Hetrick's retirement April 1, a Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the agency's office on S. Front Street in Marquette.
Writer: Sam EgglestonSource: Bill Hetrick, VAST
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.