Ketelsen, Don E 1946-2016

KETELSEN, FALLESEN, KACZINSKI, GIEBELSTEIN, HILLIS, KACZINSKI, MCMAHON, ROEDER, MUSEL, FISCHER, KELLY

Posted By: NettieMae
Date: 1/5/2017 at 20:55:08

Don Edwin Ketelsen, 70, of DeWitt, Iowa, died Thursday morning, December 1, 2016, in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loved ones.
He was born June 5, 1946, in Clinton to Arlo and Velma (Fallesen) Ketelsen. Don graduated from Northeast High School where he wrote the fight song which is still used today. Don went on to further his studies at the University of Northern Iowa, receiving a Bachelor's Degree. He began his teaching career and was teaching at Bennett when he was called to serve in the Army during the Vietnam War. Following his military service he returned to teaching English at Bennett and later Calamus Wheatland. Don later received a Master's Degree from the University of Iowa. Don retired from teaching in 2002, but remained active with various jobs around DeWitt. He was united in marriage to Kathy Kaczinski on May 25, 1991, at Grace Lutheran Church, DeWitt by the Rev. Ronald Goodsman.
He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, DeWitt where he directed and was active in the choir and also assisted at Grace Camp activities. Don was involved for many years in the Ol' Majestic Players where he both acted in and directed plays. He also was a member of the Village Voices in DeWitt. Don loved reading and gardening. Above all, he found great joy as a loving husband, father and grandfather.
Surviving are his wife, Kathy; children, Brandon Ketelsen of DeWitt and Kaitlyn (Chad) Giebelstein of Bennett; step-children, Kellie (Ralph) Hillis of Bettendorf and James (Davinna) Kaczinski of West Melborne, Florida; grandchildren, Brendan, Kilie and Carver Hillis and Maddox and Dillan Kaczinski; his mother, Velma Ketelsen of Fulton, Illinois; siblings, Arla Rae (Fran) McMahon of Charlotte, Aletha (Kenny) Roeder of Fulton, Becky (Larry) Musel of Clinton, Keith (Lyn) Ketelsen of Milan, Illinois, Robb (Lori) Ketelsen of Osco, Illinois, and Annie (Tim) Fischer of Bellevue; his father-in-law, William (Judy Saylor) Kelly; many nieces and nephews.
Preceding Don in death were his father, Arlo and his mother-in-law, Darleen Kelly.
Visitation will be at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Charlotte from 9:30 until 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, December 6, 2016. A Service of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday in the church. Burial and military rites will be held at the Glahn Cemetery, Charlotte. Memorials may be designated to the family to be used for a memorial in Don's name at the Central Performing Arts Center.
Pallbearers Brandon Ketelsen, James Kaczinski, Ralph Hillis, Chad Giebelstein, Cody Ketelsen and Brendan Hillis. Honorary pallbearers will be Kilie, Maddox, Dillan and Carver.
Condolences may be expressed and a photo tribute viewed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com.