Obituaries

JOHN L. KETTERHAGEN

Easter Lily      John L. Ketterhagen, 86, Burlington, died April 12, 2015, at Wisconsin Veterans Home – Boland Hall.

He was born in Burlington on Nov. 3, 1928, to the late Edward and Louise (Daniels) Ketterhagen. He lived his entire life in Burlington where he attended St. Charles Grade School, St. Mary’s High School, and also Benedictine Seminary. He proudly served his country, in the U.S. Navy, during the Korean War.

On Oct. 6, 1956, he married Gwendolyn Emma Lois at St. Alphonsus Church, New Munster. They made their home in Burlington where they raised their family.

He worked as a salesman for a prefabricated home business. Following his retirement he enjoyed working at Splash & Dash Car Wash. He was a lifelong member of St. Charles Church where he served as an usher and was a member of American Legion Post 79.

His family was very important to him and he loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events. In his spare time he kept himself busy woodworking and painting and took special care in painting ornaments for his family. His parents passed away at an early age and John was fortunate to spend many happy times with his second family, Nick and Irene Zeihen and children.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years; children, Pam (Mike) Robers, Julie (Tom) Aldrich, Steve (Ruth) Ketterhagen, Kathy (Mike) Spiegelhoff, Debbie (Dave) Heiligenthal and Jeff (Tania) Ketterhagen; grandchildren, Angie (Steve) Wegner, Stacy (Brian) Bilski, Russ Robers, Megan Aldrich, Erin Aldrich, Lauren (Joe) Spierenburg, Morgan Aldrich, Ashlyn Aldrich, Ethan Ketterhagen, Emma Ketterhagen, Josh Ketterhagen, Joe Spiegelhoff, Nick Spiegelhoff, Matt Heiligenthal, Ben Heiligenthal, Luke Heiligenthal, John Ketterhagen, Jimmy Ketterhagen, Samantha Ketterhagen; great-grandson, Mason Wegner; sisters, Marcella Fallon and Viola Preiss; sisters and brothers-in-law, Dorothy (Elmer) Gayhart, Len (Carol) Lois, Jim (Marilyn) Lois, Don (Char) Lois and special friends, Roger (Romayne) Zeihen, Romie (David) Gallo and Bill David.

He was further preceded in death by his mother and father-in-law, Leonard and Magdalene Lois; siblings, Barbara (Leroy) Resiland, Emil (Barbara) Ketterhagen, Elmer (Blanche) Ketterhagen, Elizabeth Ketterhagen, Caroline (Alvin) Baumeister, Bernice Ketterhagen, Phillip (Cecilia) Ketterhagen, Louis (Dorothy) Ketterhagen, Andrew (Eleanore) Ketterhagen, Edward (Magdalen) Ketterhagen; in-laws, John A. Fallon, Arthur Preiss, Matt (Marilyn) Matthews; his second parents, Nick and Irene Zeihen and Beady David.

The family would like to thank the staff at Wis. Veterans Home – Boland Hall for their compassion and care during this time and all their family and friends who sent cards, called and prayed for them. We can’t begin to tell you how much we appreciate your love.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, April 16, at 7 p.m., at St. Charles Catholic Church with the Rev. Jim Volkert officiating. Visitation is April 16, from 4-6:15 p.m., at Schuette-Daniels Funeral Home, 625 Browns Lake Drive, Burlington. Burial will be private.

Well-wishers can visit www.danielsfamilyfuneral.com.

2 Comments

  1. To the Ketterhagen family, I’m so sorry for your loss. I have no doubt he is in a beautiful place. He was a man of great character. What I loved about him most was he always had a smile on his face and enjoyed life. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. He was a wonderful man. Mary

  2. Dear Gwen and family,
    I am so sorry and surprised to hear of John’s death. So many great memories of him thru so “many” years. I know he has a great place in heaven as he was truly a man of deep faith. He – and all of you – will be remembered in my prayers and Masses here at St. Paul’s. May he rest in peace from his earthly labors. Blessings to you, Father Ron