Ronald Albert Ketelsen

Ronald Albert Ketelsen, 87, of DeWitt, Iowa, passed away peacefully in his home on Thursday, August 19, 2021.

Ronald was born April 14, 1934, on the family farm in Charlotte, Iowa, to Thomas and Selma (Andresen) Ketelsen. His twin, Donald died shortly after birth. They were the youngest of 14. He was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Charlotte. He graduated from Charlotte High School in 1953. He was united in marriage to Betty Jo Hathcock on December 15, 1957, at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Ron spent many years working the family farm. In 1988, he began working maintenance at Harbor Crest Nursing Home in Fulton, Illinois, retiring after 28 years, at the age of 81.

He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Charlotte, and Grace Lutheran Church in DeWitt. Ron enjoyed time with his family, bowling, deer hunting, fishing, planting garden and caring for the lawn. He was an avid Hawkeye fan, and Cubs fan, attending game #3 of the 2016 World Series. He especially loved being a grandpa, and great-grandpa.

Surviving are his wife, Betty Jo; children, Carmen Ketelsen of DeWitt, Mitzie Blanchard of Charlotte, Travis (JoEllen) Ketelsen of DeWitt, Tory (Paula) Ketelsen of Bryant; 23 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; an honorary daughter, Julie Haring; and also a very special end of life caregiver, Lainni Howard.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 8 brothers and 5 sisters, daughters, Tammy and Velta, grandsons, Brady, Kye, and Tobi.

Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Sunday, August 22, 2021, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Charlotte, and from 9:00 a.m. until 9:45 a.m. Monday. A Service of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday August 23, 2021, in the church, The Rev. Anthony Dodgers officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery, DeWitt. Grandchildren will serve as pallbearers.

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