Raymond C. Ketterer

Raymond C. Ketterer, 84, of Woodridge, IL and Hayward, WI; passed away Tuesday morning, November 1, 2022, peacefully at Bria Nursing Home in Westmont, IL.

Ray was born on November 7, 1937, at his home in Phipps, Wisconsin.  Son of the late Fredrick Ketterer and Eleanor (Hammerel) Lindquist.  Growing up in Hayward, Wisconsin; he went to a one room schoolhouse.  He attended Hayward High School where he played baseball; and graduated in 1955.  Ray was in the National Guard in Hayward Wisconsin and later when he moved to Chicago.  Ray was on active duty when the Bay of Pigs was going during the 1960’s.

Ray would meet his future wife, Karen, at a dance in Hayward.  Then, on April 22nd, 1961, after waiting five long years with Karen’s parents’ blessing, he married the love of his life, Karen L. Kiefer, in Chicago at the First United Church of Irving Park.  In September of 1962, they would move to Woodridge, where the happy couple threw down roots and made many lasting memories at their residence.

Ray was an avid reader of western and history books.  His passions included boating on Round Lake, listening to the loons at night, and just sitting on the deck swing in Hayward, enjoying the solitude.  He loved seeing the guests at Kiefer’s Pine Grove Resort and talking to them.  He loved working at the resort either with woodwork or just about anything that needed to be fixed.

In his younger years, Ray was an electrician helper and a logger in Hayward, Wisconsin.  When he moved to Chicago, he joined the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150.  He was a heavy equipment operator and became a superintendent on a lot of jobs with many companies.  In 1989-2000, Ray, Karen and Gary owned Ketterer Excavating, Inc.

Ray was preceded in death, by his wife, Karen of 60 ½ years. Daughter-in-law, Tracey.  Ernest and Virginia Kiefer and Sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Marilyn (John) Kramer of Carrollton, Texas. Brother and sister-in-law, Fredrick (Deanna) Ketterer of Kingdom City, Missouri.

Ray is survived by his son, Gary Ketterer of Woodridge, IL; his sister, Marlene Pankratz of Hayward, WI; and the many nephews and nieces he leaves behind.  He leaves many family members and friends that will truly miss him.

Memorial Visitation in Hayward, Wisconsin on Wednesday, August 30th, 3:00 p.m. until time of Memorial Service, 7:00 p.m. at Hayward Funeral Home, 15571 County Highway B, Hayward, WI 54843.  Officiated by Pastor Jordan Baker of Hayward Wesleyan Church. 

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