Walter “Wally” E. Ketter, 88, of Campbellsport passed away Thursday, July 14, 2014. He was born on June 11, 1928 in the Town of Auburn, the son of Henry and Elsie (Bartelt) Ketter. He attended Campbellsport High School, graduating with the Class of 1946. Wally enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1948 and received his honorable discharge in June of 1952. While in service and stationed at Camp Pickett in Blackstone, VA, Wally met his Wild Irish Rose Branum. They were married August 16, 1952 at St. John the Baptist Church in Crewe, VA and made their home in Wisconsin.
Wally was employed by the State of Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources for 42 years, retiring in 1988. His specialty was law enforcement, a job he dearly enjoyed. He has often mentioned how fortunate he was to spend his working years in the outdoors, doing work he truly loved. In spring of 1988, he became police chief of Campbellsport, a position he held for three years. After that Wally was employed by the Campbellsport School District another job he loved, as he liked associating with the young students, who, according to Wally, were all good kids.
Wally was a lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and was also a member of the American Legion Post #347, Lomira. He was one of the first instructors for the Hunter Safety Program in Campbellsport. Wally loved the outdoors, enjoyed gardening, his wild flowers and was proud of the small forest he planted on his property. He also enjoyed bird watching/feeding, was an avid hunter and fisherman and dearly loved his pheasant hunting trips to South Dakota with his son Jeff, who a few years ago mentioned “remember Dad, when you used to take me hunting-now I take you”.
Wally is survived by his wife Rose, a son Jeff of Eau Claire, a daughter Debra (John) Donley of West Bend, two grandchildren Lisa (Jeremy) Jelinek of Menasha and David Donley of West Bend, treasured great granddaughter Evelyn Rose Jelinek and great grandson Cade Joseph Jelinek of Menasha and two grand dogs Buford and Taz of Eau Claire. He is further survived by a brother Duane (Peggy) Ketter of Kekoskee, a sister Joan Petersen of Campbellsport, sisters-in-law Alice Ketter of Campbellsport and Betty Branum of Blackstone, VA, brother-in-law James Branum of Blackstone, VA, numerous cousins, nephews, nieces and treasured friends.
He was preceded in death by father and mother Henry and Elsie, five brothers Irwin, Elton, Elwyn (Cecilia), Henry and Loren Ketter and mother-in-law Lillie Branum, as well as many four-legged pals.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 19th at 11:00 AM at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 350 S. Helena St. Campbellsport. Rev. Paul Cerny will officiate and burial will follow in Union Cemetery, Campbellsport.
Visitation will be Monday, July 18th from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at the Twohig Funeral Home, 109 W. Main St. Campbellsport and on Tuesday, July 19th from 10:00 AM until time of services at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Memorials are appreciated to Immanuel Lutheran Church or the Campbellsport Volunteer Fire Department.