Merlyn Joseph Kettner

Merlyn J. Kettner, age 92, passed away on January 22, 2023 at Theda Care Medical Center in Appleton. He was born on July 13, 1930 in the town of Ellington, a son of Joseph and Lydia (Lettman)Kettner. On May 31, 1960 he married Elizabeth (Betty) Mohnen. She preceded him in death on January 15, 2017.

Merlyn was a veteran of the United States Army and a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Stephensville. Farming was in his blood from an early age. As a young man, he thrashed oats in late summer and filled silos with corn silage with his brothers. As an adult, he was a proud dairy farmer, milking about 50 cows. He was an important individual in the annual St. Patrick ROUND UP where he and Tony Gaschler started the original “PIG RASSLE”, as well as selling the most raffle tickets every year. He enjoyed bowling, shooting pool, playing cribbage, sheepshead, and crazy 8.

He is survived by his sons Ron(Julie) Kettner, Bruce(MaryKay) Kettner, daughters Elaine(Rodney) Koleske, Rose(Pat) Rynish, grandchildren Josh Koleske, Michael(Stacy) Koleske, Katie(Josh) Metko, Amanda Vanden Boogaard, Alanna(Zak) Ford, Alicia(Jeremy)Starr, Luke(Brittany) Rynish, Nate Rynish, Jessica(Fiance, Jesse) Kettner, Brandon Kettner, Chris Mosher, Heather(Kyle) Balda, great-grandchildren Chloe Vanden Boogaard, Scarlet Vanden Boogaard, Henry Koleske, Bowen Koleske, Caleb Ford, Amelia Ford, Miles Starr, Levi Starr, Brooklyn Starr, Audrina Rynish, Vivienne Rynish, Callista Rynish, Gavin Mosher, Bennett Balda, Carter Balda, one brother Niles Kettner, one sister-in-law Annette Kettner, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, four brothers Roy, Earl (Leona), Russell (Donna), Richard, one sister June Kettner and on one sister in law DeLila Kettner.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday January 25, 2023 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Stephensville from 4-7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday January 26, 2023 at the church at 11 a.m. with visitation from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass. Full Military honors will be conducted at the conclusion of the funeral mass.

The family would like to thank Cindy, Betty, Laura, Therese and Cathy, for the wonderful care they gave Merlyn.