Robert J. KETCHUM

KETCHUM, LUKKENS, KOENEN, OLSON, CRAFTON, FREY

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 6/25/2010 at 10:12:31

BELMOND, Iowa - Robert "Bob" J. Ketchum, 80, of Belmond, formerly of the rural Rowan/Belmond area, most recently a resident of the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond, died Wednesday (June 23, 2010). Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 26, at the Belmond United Methodist Church in Belmond with Pastor Nancy Hofmeister officiating. Burial will be in the Graceland Cemetery near Rowan. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today, Friday, at the Andrews Funeral Home, 516 First St. S.E., Belmond, and continue one hour prior to the services Saturday at the church. The family suggests those wishing to express their sympathies through a memorial in Bob's name consider the United Church of Rowan; Krysilis in care of Sheltered Work Center, Clarion; Rowan Lions Club; or to an organization of their choice.

Robert J. Ketchum, the son of Philip and Dorothea (Lukkens) Ketchum, was born March 21, 1930, in Hampton. He attended rural schools through the eighth grade and then graduated from Rowan High School in the class of 1948. Bob was united in marriage to Inez Koenen on July 30, 1954, at Bethel Reformed Church, Aplington. Their union was blessed with three children: Julie, Jody and Kevin. Bob was a dedicated and meticulous employee of Maytag Corp. for 37 years. At the time he retired at age 56 he was a supervisor and had trained numerous employees for what now is today's Whirlpool Corp. Bob's life focus was centered on providing for the needs and wants of his wife, Inez, and their three children. He truly relished his role as a husband, father and grandpa. Bob's 80-year journey through life was filled with countless adventures and travels. His love for the outdoors might find him along a river bank or stream setting traps in pursuit of fur bearing creatures, on a fishing excursion after a catch of fish, or on a hike through the uplands or a cornfield in hopes of bagging a limit of rooster pheasants. Another favorite passion of Bob's was the excitement and refreshment of a chilly morning spent on a marsh or other body of water in hopes of harvesting a migrating duck or Canada goose.

No matter what the activity was in the outdoors, Bob was a consummate sportsman. Bob was a very athletic man who was well seasoned and proficient as a fast pitch softball pitcher and had played on many teams throughout most of his life. Rollerskating was another hobby where Bob could often be found dancing gracefully about an area rink. Bob was very involved in his church and his faith life was bountiful, as he held numerous offices and was a Sunday school teacher for many years at his church home in Rowan. He also gave unselfishly of his time to various other community groups, served as as Scouting volunteer, and was quite active in the Rowan Lions, including holding the positions of Tail Twister and treasurer among his many duties. Bob was very social and looked forward to occasions when he and Inez would get together with friends for a friendly game of 500 or bridge. He looked forward to a peaceful afternoon or evening spent with a family member or friend in a competitive game of chess or cribbage. He was a man who enjoyed creating things with his strong yet gentle hands and had made countless and flawless woodwork and handcrafted keepsakes for friends and family.

Bob's love of his family brings memories of travels with his wife, Inez, family vacations and trips with the grandkids to places such as Colorado. Bob was often known to take the "road less traveled" as he enjoyed everything life had to offer. His grandchildren cherish fondly the times spent with grandpa on a roller coaster road trip and the fun entertainment "Grandpa K" brought them with his impersonations of a monkey. They will remember fun-filled afternoons piling in the leaves on the farm and then capping the day off with a hot dog roast and will often think of Grandpa and the banter and his dislike of bent peanuts! Bob and Inez also enjoyed the times and rewards that were reaped when they were hosts of foreign exchange students. All who were fortunate enough to cross the pathways of Bob's life adventures will remember him as a man who loved others and used his knowledge and passions to make their lives brighter. His legacy must also include his wonderful wit, innate sense of humor, unique way of twisting things about and of course his fun-loving personality.

His memory will be cherished by his wife and life partner of nearly 56 years, Inez Ketchum of Belmond; his daughter, Julie Ketchum of Belmond; son Kevin Ketchum and wife, Marcia, of Belmond, and their children, Nikki Olson and husband Matt, of Mason City, and Mark Ketchum, of Belmond; and his daughter, Jody Ketchum of Aurora, Colo. Also surviving are a brother, Gene Ketchum of Bagely, Iowa; one sister, Pat Crafton and husband, Verle, of Rowan; and 29 nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; brother Sid of Idaho; nephew James Crafton; and nieces Lisa Ketchum, and Darla Frey. Andrews Funeral Home, .

Mason City Globe Gazette -- Iowa
June 25, 2010