Gerald ‘Jerry’ Ketten, 79, of Greenville, died on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, at his home.
Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13, at Assalley-Young Funeral Home, located at 118 E. College Ave. in Greenville. A Masonic service will be held at 12 p.m., following the visitation. Funeral will begin at 12:30 p.m., following the Masonic service, with Pastor Tyson Graber of Greenville First Christian Church officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Auburn Cemetery, following the funeral.
Mr. Ketten was born June 30, 1945, in Belleville, the son of Victor Guy and DuAyne Elizabeth (Stone) Ketten. His family relocated to the Greenville area when he was a teenager. He married Joyce Finke in 1965, welcoming two children, Joanne and Jeff, but later divorced. He was then married to Nancy Thomes, who preceded him in death. The last 20-plus years of Jerry’s life were spent as a loving partner to Laverne Kruger.
After graduating from Greenville High School in 1965, he then enrolled in Ranken Technical College, where he received a certificate for carpentry. Mr. Ketten began his career in 1967 as a union carpenter, from which he later retired.
He was a member of Masonic Lodge #245 of Greenville, as well as a ham radio operator with Okaw Valley Amateur Radio Club.
His passion could be found in his music. Mr. Ketten would play anywhere, anytime. He was a huge fan of country western and old school country hits. Mr. Ketten enjoyed playing the bass guitar, performing with many different musicians over the years, but most notably with his bands from Altamont and Kinmundy.
Family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren were very important to Mr. Ketten and he enjoyed spending time with them.
Mr. Ketten is survived by his children, Joanne (Mike) Suess and Jeff (Katie) Ketten, all of Greenville; grandchildren, Trevor (Lauren) Suess, Kami (Michael) Hohm, Alli Jo Suess, Ashley (Joey) Iberg, Emma Ketten, all of Greenville, and David (Charis) Thompson of Pana; five great-grandchildren, with one on the way; and special friend, Laverne Kruger.
He was preceded in death by his parents and second wife, Nancy.
Memorials may be made to the Masonic Lodge #245, 1111 East College St., Greenville, IL 62246. Condolences may be left online at www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com
