VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NDHSAA) – Former North Dakota High School Activities Association Assistant Director Robert “Bob” Hetler passed away on Monday, February 9. Hetler, born Oct. 13, 1943, was 82 years old. A memorial service will be held Friday, February 13 at 2:00 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in Valley City. Visitation will be the hour prior to the service.

Hetler served as an Assistant Director at the NDHSAA in Valley City from 1978 to 2008. His 30 years of service to NDHSAA member schools received merit nationally when he was honored with a National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Citation in 2008 upon his retirement. While at the NDHSAA, Hetler served as coordinator of forensics, drama and music activities, as well as publications and media relations. Prior to joining the NDHSAA, Hetler taught high school English in Northwood for 13 years. In addition to teaching, he was director of speech and drama activities, assistant football coach and elementary basketball coach.

Hetler earned his bachelor’s degree from Mayville State University. He began his involvement with the NDHSAA during his tenure at Northwood, serving on the NDHSAA Speech Advisory Committee. Hetler served as treasurer of the Communication Speech and Theater Association of North Dakota (CSTAND) for 20 years and was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 1992. He also was an associate board member of the North Dakota Music Educators Association. At the national level, Hetler served two terms on the NFHS Speech Committee, including a term as chairman from 2002 to 2005. He also was a member of the NFHS Records Committee and NFHS Music Committee, and he was associate editor of the NFHS Music Journal from 1995 to 2001. Hetler received three awards from the NFHS for his service to speech, debate and music activities.

Bob and his wife Ilene were married on July 31, 1966. He is survived by his wife, Ilene; son, Todd (Sheri); daughter, Janelle; and grandchildren, Abby (Drew), Kellie (Jake), Bella, Caleb, Emma, and Kaidyn; and a great grandson, Miller.