"I am so sorry for your loss"
In loving memory of
Jerry R. Ketcham
August 5, 1944 - February 2, 2018
Jerry Roger Ketcham, son of Merrill Wilbur and Jessie Mae (Courtney) Ketcham, was born on August 5, 1944 at Hand Hospital in Shenandoah, Iowa. He passed away at the age of 73 on Friday, February 2, 2018 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska.
Jerry grew up on the family farm, which was recently recognized as a Century Farm. He graduated from Shenandoah High School in 1962 and was actively involved in Track and 4H. Following graduation, he attended Iowa State University for two years before joining the Nebraska Army National Guard from 1965 until 1971.
On February 5, 1966 he was united in marriage to Kathyrn Ann Hodges at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Shenandoah. They lived in Nebraska City for a brief period of time before moving to Shenandoah. In 1976, Jerry's parents retired from living on the family farm and moved into town. At that time, Jerry and Kathy moved to the farm with their two oldest daughters, where he farmed until 1998 and lived the remainder of his life.
Jerry worked for Hodges Construction from 1966 to 2000, when he started Ketcham Construction. Jerry celebrated his retirement on his 70th birthday. He was a member of the Elks Club, Izaak Walton League and Nishna Valley Christian Church. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, trap shooting, and target shooting with his grandkids, sons-in-law and friends. Jerry also enjoyed playing cards, golfing and spending time with family and friends.
Jerry was preceded in death by his father Merrill, mother Jessie, infant sister Debra Kay, and father-in-law Kenneth "Jack" Hodges.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife Kathy Ketcham of Shenandoah, and their four daughters; Kristi Murphy of Kansas City, Missouri, Nicki Oss (Todd) of Sioux City, Iowa, Dusti Dalton (Jeff) of Iowa City, Iowa and Mandi Meyer (Shawn) of Grain Valley, Missouri. Six grandchildren; Jordan and Skylar Murphy, Nolan Oss, Hayden, Ketcham and Holt Meyer, and great-grandson Brantley Baker. Brother Larry Ketcham (Nancy) of Hot Springs, Arkansas, sister Carol Ketcham of Omaha, Nebraska, and many other family and friends.
Celebration of life funeral service will be held 10:30 am, Wednesday, February 7, 2018 at the Nishna Valley Christian Church in Shenandoah.
Visitation with the family will be held from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm, Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at the Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home in Shenandoah.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to The Shepherd's Gift (http://theshepherdsgift.org/) or the Nishna Valley Christian Church.
Burial will be held Rose Hill Cemetery in Shenandoah with military rites.
Tributes
"Nicki, you and your family has been in my thoughts and prayers all week. So sorry for your loss. ~ Thinking of you."
"Our thoughts & prayers go out to the entire Ketcham family. I know Jerry's passing will be a great loss to all as he was a special guy. Will always remember the week of fun we had together at Tahoe Donner. Condolences with love, Mick & Maxine Ayres"
"My condolences to the family. May God strengthen and comfort you with his promise of the resurrection. Acts 24:15 "
"Kathy, I am so sorry for your loss. Remember Jerrys quite friendly manner. Love you."
"Kathy, my deepest condolences to you and family. Gone way too soon. Tina Busick"
"We are so sorry to hear of your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. ~Johnston Communications"
"Nicki, so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to you & your family. Tammy Gibson"
"Kathy and girls we are so sorry for your loss. Jerry was a great man and friend to many. We will keep you all in our prayers through this time of sorrow. May God be with you in this time of need. We love you all our dear friends. Tom and Linda Erickson"
"We're guessing that smiling picture was taken behind the wheel of Jerry's new Ford pickup. He always loved cars, and many of us have fond memories of time spent with Jerry in high school, cruising the A&W or just hanging out. We'll miss him, his laughter, and his wonderful friendship. RIP Jerry, and sincere condolences to you Kathy and your family. Don & Marydel Ketcham"
"it has been my absolute pleasure having you as a friend!! I will miss your sense of humor and i will miss shooting with you. rest easy my friend"
"Thre are not enough words to say how sorry we are to hear of the passing of your beloved husband and father. I have such fond memories of growing up with the boys. Jerry was one of a kind and will be missed by all. Please send my deepest sympathy to Larry and Nancy as well. Ron and Kathy Green"
"Kathy, I am so sorry to hear the news of Jerry's passing. He was a great guy that took great pride in his work and could do amazing things with a pile of brick. I enjoyed working with him. He will be missed Clint and Amanda Wooten"
"Kathy & family, we are so terribly saddened to hear the news today. Words do not seem adequate, our prayers with all of you. "
"Kathy, Jim and Jerry had some humorous times when dealing with their beloved, but at times ornery, pets. Jerry finally got Charlie (?) to stay home (with the help of an electric fence, perhaps?). I will miss seeing Jerry out in your yard or fields doing what he loved to do. I'm praying with you. Linda Haldane "
"Kathy and family, We send our prayers and hugs to you at this time. May God give you strength, love and peace. "
"Kathy & family, so very sorry to hear about Jerry. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult and sad time. Ron & Brenda Loewe"
"So sorry for your loss, he was a great guy, one of my fondest memories is when I was younger and used to snowmobile with him. Always a smile on his face, he will be missed by many. Jerry Gruber Family "
"Kathy, I am so sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. May your memories of many years together sustain you during this difficult time. Sympathy and condolences, Denny and Joy Hackett"
"Kathy, Sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. "
"So sorry for your loss. If you need anything give me a call.thoughts and prayers for the family."
"SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT JERRY'S PASSING. YOU AND YOUR Fmily are in my prayers and thoughts."
"SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS TO THE FAMILY"
"Oh Kathy so so sorry for your loss. I will be in touch when I get home. I know how much you will miss him!! Joyce Supernaw "
"To Kathy, your daughters and their families, we are so sorry for your loss. We were so happy that you made the effort to come to our 50th anniversary party in Minneapolis a few months ago. It was great to see you both and to share old stories with Jerry. He will be remembered and missed by so many."