Edward Gerard Hettinger

Edward Gerard Hettinger (October 14, 1902 - December 28, 1996) was an American prelate of the Catholic Church in the United States. He served as auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Columbus in Ohio from 1942 to 1977.

Biography

Early life Edward Hettinger was born on October 14, 1902, in Lancaster, Ohio, to Edward and Clara (O'Brien) Hettinger. His father was a saloon-keeper of French and German descent and his mother's parents were from Ireland. He was baptized and confirmed in the Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption in Lancaster and attended the school associated with that parish. That same year, he was named a domestic prelate by Pope Pius XII.

Auxiliary Bishop of Columbus Hettinger (center left, in white vestment) on the day of his episcopal consecration on February 24, 1942. On December 6, 1941 Pius XII appointed Hettinger as the titular bishop of Teos and auxiliary bishop of Columbus. He was consecrated a bishop by Hartley on February 24, 1942 in St. Joseph Cathedral in Columba. At the time of his death, he was the longest-serving bishop in the United States. Hettinger was buried in St. Mary Cemetery in Lancaster, following a funeral at Sacred Heart.