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Ruth A. Ketterhagen, 78, of Paddock Lake, passed away Monday, July 21, 2008, at St. Catherine's United Hospital in Pleasant Prairie following a heart attack. Ruth was born Nov. 25, 1929, in Illinois, to the late Percival and Emma (nee Morris) Norris. Her younger years were spent in the Chicago area before moving to Bohners Lake and then Lyons. Ruth attended Burlington High School and graduated from Badger High School in Lake Geneva.
On Sept. 30, 1950, Ruth was united in marriage to Donald B. Ketterhagen at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Lyons. Following marriage they farmed in Brighton Township before moving to Paddock Lake in 1961. Don preceded Ruth in death after 55 years of marriage on Sept. 17, 2005.
Ruth worked at a variety of area businesses, including waitressing at Flo & Jim's Restaurant in Paddock Lake, office work at Charmglow in Bristol and Westwood Estates in Pleasant Prairie. However, it was her nine years at Al & Bev Paddock's State Farm Insurance Agency in Paddock Lake which gave her the career satisfaction of her life. Ruth also served as president of Paddock Lakes National Federation of Business and Professional Women's Club in the early 1970's.
Ruth is survived by her loving children, Linda (Bob) Ketelsen of Richmond, Ill., Kathi (Fritz) Lois of Burlington, and Art (Lori) Ketterhagen of Paddock Lake; grandchildren, Amy N. (fiancée, Rob Pizzala) Ketterhagen of Salem and Donald W. Ketterhagen of Salem; sisters-in-law, Betty Epping of Salem and Millie Ketterhagen of Arizona; brother-in-law, Gene (Lila) Ketterhagen of Salem; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers, Ed Norris and Paul Phillips, and by brothers-in-law, Jay Ketterhagen and Claude Epping.
Private services will be held at a later date. Ruth loved dogs, so donations to the Humane Society of your choice would be appreciated.
A special heartfelt and oh so inadequate thanks goes out to Ruth's extraordinary caregiver, Jan Petri of Kenosha, attentive neighbors Russ and Roz, Jerry and Lisa, Doug and Kim, Salem Fire and Rescue and St. Cat's ER and ICU.
Your loving children and grandchildren will miss you so very much, but we know you are in a better place now than where the Alzheimer's disease was taking you. Watch for Buddy and rest in peace.
Kenosha News - Jul 23, 2008