"I was a new GI fellow when I met and worked with Ron. He was an outstanding clinical teacher who inspired all of his students. He was a powerful role model for me as a clinician and educator. We became colleagues and friends and worked together for years. Ron was truly a gentleman and he always had a pleasant greeting for colleagues. He had a keen intellect,loved history, and he touched many lives. He loved his family more than anything. My deepest sympathy to Ron and Kathy. "
In loving memory of
Ronald F. Kettering
October 30, 1932 - April 7, 2021
Ronald F. Kettering, M.D., 88, of Rochester, passed away peacefully at his home, with his children by his side, on Wednesday, April 7, 2021.
Dr. Kettering was born October 30, 1932 in Pittsburgh, PA to Weston and Wilma (Ungerman) Kettering. He attended the University of Pittsburgh and received his B.S. in 1954 and went to Pittsburgh Medical school from 1954-1958. Dr. Kettering interned at Mercy Hospital from 1958-1959. On June 20, 1959, Ronald married Dolores (Hamscher). Dr. Kettering and his wife moved to Rochester, where he worked in internal medicine at Mayo Clinic from 1959-1964. He was awarded the Post Graduate Medical Travel Award for high achievement in internal medicine. Dr. Kettering then joined the Mayo staff of gastroenterology in 1965, was active in endoscopy, teaching, and was awarded Mayo Fellows award for teaching in 1977. He was a member of the American Medical Association, American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, American Gastroenterology Association, American College of Physicians and was an assistant professor at the Mayo Medical school. Dr. Kettering also was a member of the Mayo Clinic clinical practice committee, Chair of the committee for the development of HMO referral practice, he chaired the committee for development of electronic medical records, served on the NIH committee for evaluation of methodology for early detection of colon cancer, and was a member of the Mayo Internal Medicine Practice Committee.
Outside of his professional accomplishments, Ronald enjoyed traveling, building model airplanes, reading books and watching shows based on history. Above all, he loved spending time with his family. Dr. Kettering was a caring man that was full of wisdom and purpose. He believed there was dignity and worth to everyone. He was very determined, a man of few words and believed his actions spoke louder than words.
Dr. Kettering is survived by his children, Ronald F. Kettering, Jr. and Kathleen (James) Witkus and by his brother, Weston Kettering. Dr. Kettering was preceded in death by his wife, Dolores and by his sister, Carole Pringle.
Dr. Kettering was very proud of his colleagues and felt the administration and clinic personnel were most helpful to all physicians. Their help and consultation allowed the physicians to concentrate on the patient and provide the best of care to all.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Kettering family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
Tributes
"Dr Kettering was one of my Dad's Best Friends. They were GI colleagues and I knew him my whole life! Before my dad's passing, He put his suit on and came to St Mary's EVERY day for more than a month..until my dad passed..Such a treasure! My Family (Sedlacks) have sooo many fond memories of him! Very sorry for your loss Ronnie and Kathy!"
"My heartfelt condolences. Dr. Kettering was an important part of my life for as long as I can remember. He has great style and flair, from the Mercedes cars, to his great suits. He always had a kind word, and an engaging story. I will truly miss him. Jeff Sedlack"
"Ron was a good friend & GI colleague for more than 50 years. I always enjoyed our conversations over the years. We were both Pittsburghers; I was born in Mercy hospital where he interned! He?ll be missed!! "
"Dear Ron and Kathy, I am so sorry for your loss. I know your father was respected and loved by his patients. It is difficult to lose a parent. May you have many fond memories of him. Sincerely, Doris Martin"
"To the Kettering family, We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Ron was a dear colleague and friend; we worked together at Mayo Clinic in Rochester and Arizona. I truly enjoyed chatting with him along the years and catching up with friends, colleagues and Mayo Clinic. Our deepest condolences, Jorge and Rosa-Maria Rakela"
"Always dapper, Ron (or "Kett" to some of us) was a great and loyal friend.. He was bright, decisive, candid, concise, compassionate and a splendid student of history, especially of the battles of World War II. We had lunches together frequently at the "Wilson Club" and wide ranging debates and discussions. We attended several annual staff dinners together. Professionally, he should be remembered as a supremely astute diagnostician, a pioneer in G.I. endoscopy and a designer at Mayo of several unique administrative systems and procedures. I shall miss him; one could not have a better friend. Hon. H. Bryan Neel III, MD, PhD"
"The Williams family sends their condolences to Ron and Kathleen on the loss of their father. We were neighbors to Ron and Dolly since 1966, right across the 11th Avenue. Ron was a great neighbor and a real gentleman that the Williams family was lucky to know. We will be thinking of Ron and Kathy and hoping that knowing how highly thought of their father was by his colleagues, his patients, and his neighbors will help sustain them at this difficult time and beyond."
"My condolences to the Kettering family on Ron?s death. He was a great clinician and also a fine leader in many other areas, as his obituary highlights nicely. I knew him most through his work on the electronic record and related report summary work he and Dr. Doug Gracey did together, as well as some of his initial work on helping physicians adapt to new coding and documentation requirements for billing. Ron was kind and always brought a bit of joy to his work. He left a great legacy with his family, community and Mayo Clinic. "
"My condolences to the Kettering family on Ron?s death. He was a great clinician and also a fine leader in many other areas, as his obituary highlights nicely. I knew him most through his work on the electronic record and related report summary work he and Dr. Doug Gracey did together, as well as some of his initial work on helping physicians adapt to new coding and documentation requirements for billing. Ron was kind and always brought a bit of joy to his work. He left a great legacy with his family, community and Mayo Clinic. "
"Ron was such a sweet man. I met him once as his caregiver one time. He was so lovely. My prayers to the family & friends."