JoAnn Elizabeth Ketterer

JoAnn Elizabeth Ketterer, 76, of Keokuk, Iowa, passed away on May 2, 2015, at her daughter's residence in Hazelwood, Missouri. JoAnn was born on June 17, 1938, to Elsa Berry in Norfolk, Nebraska. She lived in Nebraska until she was nine, then moved to Keokuk. JoAnn was a member of All Saints Catholic Church in Keokuk. She was employed by several railroads (BNSF, KJRY) for her career. After retiring, she became secretary at Bethel Presbyterian Church in Hamilton for many years. JoAnn joined the Keokuk Ladies Auxiliary VFW Post #3508 when she was sixteen through her brother Donald. She was a member of not only the Keokuk VFW, but the Fort Madison and Mt. Pleasant Posts. She was Auxiliary President for Keokuk/Ft Madison VFW Posts for many years. Other VFW offices held included Iowa Department President in 2002, Iowa Department Secretary from 2003-2014, National Community Service Director from 2004-2005, VFW Big Ten President in 2006 and National 11th District Council Member from 2009-2011. JoAnn was also a member of the Keokuk AARP Chapter 1143 and AARP State President in 2004, and she was active in the Keokuk Depot Restoration Committee and the Fort Madison Eagles. JoAnn is s...[more]

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ived by Tom Ketterer; her three children: Rose Ketterer of Hazelwood, Missouri; Ed (Libby) Ketterer of Keokuk; and Nancy Beard of Hazelwood, Missouri. Other survivors include six grandchildren: Christopher Black, Jeania Black, Jonathon Ketterer, Steven Ketterer, Justin Davis and Amber Rose Davis, nine great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. JoAnn is preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, and her son-in-law Charlie Beard. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12 PM on Saturday, May 9, 2015, at All Saints Catholic Church in Keokuk, with Reverend Robert Lathrop officiating. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery in Keokuk. Visitation will be held from 3 to 8 PM, on Friday, May 8th, with family meeting friends from 6 to 8 PM, at DeJong-Greaves Celebration of Life Centers at 917 Blondeau Street. Memorials may be directed to the Wounded Warriors Project or Camp Courageous.