Velma Emilie (Ketelsen) Rickertsen

Mrs. Velma E. Rickertsen, 92 of Charlotte, Iowa, died Thursday morning, July 20, 2017, at Harbor Crest Home, Fulton, Illinois.

Velma Emilie Ketelsen was born April 8, 1925, at rural Goose Lake to the late Thomas and Selma (Andresen) Ketelsen.  She was a 1942 graduate of Charlotte High School where she was Salutatorian of her class.  Velma married Donald Rickertsen June 16, 1945 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Charlotte.  The couple farmed at rural Charlotte for many years where they raised their family.  In addition to being a homemaker, Velma was employed by Community Care, Inc., Charlotte as Food Service Manager.  Her husband preceded her in death December 14, 1990.

She was a lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Charlotte where she was a member of the Ladies Aid, serving as secretary/treasurer for many years.  Also Velma was a longtime member and treasurer of the Charlotte Senior Citizens and belonged to the American Legion Auxiliary.  She assisted with the Charlotte Web over the years.  Velma loved her family dearly and enjoyed playing cards.  She was a fan of the Hawkeye’s and Cubs.

Surviving are children, Dennis (Kathy) Rickertsen of Helena, Alabama, Bruce (Jean) Rickertsen of Goose Lake, Steve (Sandy) Rickertsen of Charlotte, Iowa, and Seabrook, Texas, Mark Rickertsen of Arvada, Colorado, Diana (Ben) Meier of Kernerville, North Carolina and Cindy (Nick) Jacobsen of Welton; 16 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren; a brother, Ronald (Betty Jo) Ketelsen of DeWitt; sisters-in-law, Velma Ketelsen of Fulton, Dorothy Ketelsen of DeWitt, Diane Ketelsen of Charlotte and Darlene Bielenberg of Goose Lake; numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, Velma was preceded in death by eight brothers and four sisters.

The family will receive relatives and friends at Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt from 2:00 until 6:00 p.m. Sunday, July 23, 2017.  A Service of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 24, 2017, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Charlotte with the Rev. Anthony Dodgers officiating.  Burial will be at Clinton Lawn Cemetery.  Memorials are suggested to Immanuel Lutheran Church or the Victory Center in Clinton.

Pallbearers will be grandsons, Seth Rickertsen, Jeremy Rickertsen, Jess Rickertsen, Jay Rickertsen, Lucas Rickertsen, Ryan Jacobsen, Scott Jacobsen and BJ Meier.  Honorary pallbearers will be granddaughters, Dana Weed, Lisa Rickertsen, Amanda Kelly, Rachael Dirksen, Sarah Green, Kendra Rudolphi, Trisha Coleman and Robin Meier.

Condolences may be expressed and a photo tribute viewed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com.