Ketelsen, William Lee

William Lee Ketelsen, 78, passed away Sunday, Oct. 23, 2011, at St. Luke's Hospital after an extended stay. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26, at Goettsch Funeral Home in Anamosa. The Rev. Carla Burge will officiate at the service. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Internment will be at the Oakwood Cemetery in Monticello.

Thoughts, memories and condolences may be left at .

Surviving are two sons, Robert and Kathy of Martelle, and Rick and Brenda of Anamosa; a daughter, Deb and Aaron Zumbach of Anamosa; a sister, Betty and Gene Falcon of Springville; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 50 years, Betty.

William Lee Ketelsen was born May 7, 1933, in rural Anamosa. He was the son of William and Margaret Flockhart Ketelsen. He graduated from Springville High School in 1951. William served his country in the United States Army. Following his service, he started farming in the Alburnett area. On Oct. 13, 1957, he married Betty Lou Hoyt. In 1960, they moved to a farm on the edge of Springville. Then in 1964, moved to a farm they bought in rural Martelle. William did a lot of custom combining from 1964 through the 70s, in addition to farming his own land. In the late 70s, William started Ketelsen Construction with the help of his two sons, while still continuing to farm.

William was a member of the board of directors for Brown Township Mutual Insurance, a member of the Springville Masonic Lodge and was an avid bowler. William enjoyed conversation with friends over coffee and tractor pulls. But the thing he treasured most was the time he was given to spend with his family and loved ones. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend and will be missed dearly by those closest to him.

Published in The Gazette Oct. 25, 2011.