Date : 21 Sep 2005
Location :
PADDOCK LAKE
Donald Bernard Ketterhagen, 79, passed away Saturday, September 17, 2005, at his home, following a series of strokes, which began the Summer of 2005.
He was born April 10, 1926, in Burlington, to Clarence and Ursula (nee: Weis) Ketterhagen. He grew up in Brighton Township. On September 30, 1950 in St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Lyons, he was united in marriage to Ruth Alice Norris. Following marriage, they farmed until 1961 before moving to Paddock Lake.
He attended Miner Elementary and Brighton Grade School. Donald served from 1946 until 1947 in the United States Army, where he was stationed in Pearl Harbor. In 1960, Don began caretaking on the Leadbetter Estates in Salem, an occupation he held up until his death. In 1961, Don became employed by the Kenosha County Highway Department, retiring in 1988.
Don led an active life. He enjoyed trapping, hunting, and fishing. He and his lifelong friends formed the "Open Door Lodge" deer hunting cabin in 1948 in Marshfield. Later, he and these friends expanded their interests and activities at the Lodge to include turkey hunting and collecting maple syrup. Don was a charter member and past President of the Paddock Lake Sportsman's Club. Don also enjoyed card playing. He dearly loved his family and friends and stayed close to them through his activities.
Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Ruth Ketterhagen; children, Linda (Bob) Ketelsen of Northwoods, Ill., Kathi K. (Fritz) Lois of Burlington, and Art (Lori) Ketterhagen of Paddock Lake; grandchildren, Amy N. Ketterhagen of Salem and Donald W. Ketterhagen of Paddock Lake; sister, Betty Epping of Salem; brother, Gene (Lila) Ketterhagen of Salem; and sister-in-law, Millie Ketterhagen of Chandler, Ariz. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Jay Ketterhagen; and by his brothers-in-law, Claude Epping, Ed Norris, and Paul Phillips.
A Prayer service will take place at Schuette-Daniels Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 21, 2005, at 7 p.m. conducted by Joanne Richter-Ross. Relatives and friends may visit with the family at the funeral home prior to the service on Wednesday from 4 until 6:30 p.m. Memorials to the Alzheimer's Association have been suggested.
Racine Times Journal - Sep 20, 2005
