Ron L. Kettler, age 62 of Melrose, died peacefully in the arms of his loving wife on Wednesday, May 25, 2016, at their home in Melrose.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 28, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Meire Grove with Rev. Marvin Enneking officiating. Inurnment was at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Melrose.
Ronald Leander Kettler was born Jan. 4, 1954, in Sauk Centre to Elmer and Erma (Petermeier) Kettler. On July 28, 1979, Ron married Kathy Woeste at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose. He always referred to his wife as Kate. Ron farmed all his life, and along with farming, he enjoyed ice fishing, spearing, deer hunting and Harley motorcycles. He also enjoyed listening to music and Prairie Home Companion. He knew all titles and artists of rock and roll music.
Ron was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose. He served on the board for MN Darkhouse Angling Association in Melrose and served as supervisor on the Melrose Township Board.
Survivors include his wife, Kathy Kettler of Melrose; children, Mara (Mike) Frieler of Melrose, Lola (Mike) Quale of Willmar, and Ben Kettler of Alexandria; grandchildren, Maggie and Abe Frieler, and Baby Quale due to arrive in September; parents, Elmer and Erma Kettler of Melrose; sisters, Diane (Tom) O’Connor of St. Paul, Karen (Mark) Tepley of St. Louis Park, Pam (Dan) Rolfes of St. Joseph, and Barb Kettler of St. Joseph; and mother-in-law, Alvina Woeste of Melrose.
Ron was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Sylvester Woeste.
Serving as urn bearer was Scott Kettler. Cross bearer was Chuck Barth, scripture bearer was Mark Welle and rosary bearer was Rick Woeste. Serving as gift bearers were his godchildren, Jesse Sunsdahl, Tara Kettler and Carter Ziemer. Eulogy was read by Chuck Barth. Honorary bearers were Steve Kettler, Robin Wensman, Dennis Bertram, Matt Silbernick, Mike O’Connor, Ed Atkinson, Mike Haskamp, Tony Luetmer, Jerry Middendorf and Rick Walz.
Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral and Cremation Services of Melrose.
