Donald L. Ketelsen age 86 of Clinton, passed away Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at Park Vista in Camanche. In following Don’s wishes cremation rites will be accorded. A gathering of family and friends will take place from 9:00 to 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 27, 2024 at the Pape Funeral Home with a Memorial Service to begin at 11:00AM. Burial will be in Clinton Lawn Cemetery. Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com
Don was born in Clinton on November 3, 1937, the son of Anson and Arla (Paulsen) Ketelsen. He graduated from Lost Nation High School. He served in the U.S. Army and later with the Army Reserves. Don married Judith Farrell in 1956. He later married Ellen (Jacobsen) Pray on November 7, 1987 in Clinton. Don was employed at Goodyear Tire and Rubber and later as the General Manager at Clinton/Lincoln Mercury. He was a member of Clinton Methodist Church where he served as a Lay leader, in the choir, and on several committees. He also belonged to Kiwanis Club and the Clinton County Historical Society where he served as President for both. Don loved spending time with his family.
Don is survived by his wife Ellen; 3 children, Kevin (Dee) Ketelsen of Bryant, Kathleen (Tom) Bice of Marion, Iowa, and Karen (Robert) Ravenscroft of Lincoln, NE; a step-son, Paul Pray of Clinton; a step-daughter, Christy (Chris) Rixen of Clinton; 10 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren and 1great-great grandson; a brother, Darrell (Ida Mae) Ketelsen of Ankeny, IA and a sister, Doris (Clyde) Scovel of Manchester, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant grandson, Adam; a granddaughter, Angie, and a sister, Diane.
Don is getting prayers from me as he was a good man. I went to school with his brother Darrell and knew the whole family. They are and were all good people. I hope he had a fast trip to heaven.
Ellen,Paul and family,
So sorry for your loss of Don..he was a wonderful person. God bless you all.
So sorry for your loss. Uncle Don was the nicest man. I always love hearing Erika tell stories about Anson, Arla, and the Ketelsen kids. You all are a very special family, sending love and prayers.
So sorry for your loss. Don made his mark on the Clinton community and will be fondly remembered by many.
Prayers for Ellen & all the family. My dad often went to see Don at work when we came to Clinton to shop, etc. Glad we had that brief visit a few years ago when we were in town.
Don was a great guy. Appreciate his leadership at church, while we lived in Clinton.
My deepest sympathy at the passing of Don and praying for comfort for you Ellen and your family. Praying for his children, grandchildren, sister and brother. He now can rest in peace.