Kettler, Lawrence 1916-1935

KETTLER

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke--Volunteer
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:38

Source: Alton Democrat (4-26-1935)

Born: February 26, 1916
Died: 1935

TRAGIC FATE FORMER ALTON YOUNG MAN

Lawrence Kettler, 19, son of Mr. and Mrs. Leo Kettler, residing at 11 Third Avenue SW, died at the Sacred Heart Hospital at 4 o’clock Monday morning, four hours after he accidentally shot himself at his home.

According to members of the family, Lawrence, who had been out during the evening visiting friends, returned home about midnight. As he entered the house he conversed with his mother and then preceded upstairs to his bedroom. A few minutes the sound of a shot and a fell was heard and his parents rushed upstairs and found young Kettler on the floor bleeding from a wound in his head.

Medical aid was summoned and an ambulance secured and the youth was taken to the hospital where he died without gaining consciousness. A bullet from a .22 caliber rifle had penetrated his left temple.

From appearances the youth was undressing and was hanging his coat and hat in the clothes closet. Suspended access hooks in the closet was a rifle and in slinging the garment onto the hook, the rifle was dislodged and discharged. Coroner S.H. Luken, who was called, said the tragedy was the result of an accident.

The youth was a member of a large family and was the third son of Mr. and Mrs. Leo Kettler, residents of Le Mars the past five years.

Lawrence was born at Lismore, Minnesota, February 20, 1916. When he was three years old the family moved to Alton where he attended St. Mary’s School. Since coming to Le Mars he was employed at various occupations and was a willing and steady worker.

He leaves to mourn his tragic fate his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Leo Kettler; five brothers and four sisters: Lloyd, Clarence, Walter, Miles, Albert, Loretta, Cleo, Florence and Mary Anne. Funeral services were held at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, Alton, Wednesday morning, with interment at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Young cousins were pallbearers. Among those noted at the services from out of town were Mr. and Mrs. Frank Kettler of Mapleton, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Probst of Homer, Nebraska; Joe Fath of Lismore, Minnesota; Mr. and Mrs. Schroeder of Oyens and a number of Le Mars neighbors and friends.