August 17, 2019 – Hartford, WI –Karel Ann Bretsch (Ketterer), 80, of Hartford was called home to be with the Lord on August 16, 2019 at Lawlis Family Hospice in Mequon surrounded by her family.
Karel was born on September 8, 1938 in Milwaukee to Norma C. Cole and John A. Ketterer. She was united in marriage to Frederick Paul Bretsch on December 20, 1958 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Karel earned her undergraduate degree at Mt. Mary College and her Master’s Degree in Social Work from UW-Milwaukee. She worked in the community for several years before starting her own business, Geriatric Support Associates, with her partner Miriam Oliensis-Torres. She gave of her time and resources to many organizations as “it was just the right thing to do.”
Those Karel leaves behind to cherish her memory include her children, Julie Bretsch (Scott Barkow), Joy Bretsch (Georgia Mroczenski), Jennifer Picciolo (Tom), Jeremy Bretsch and Jonathan Bretsch; grandchildren, Michael Picciolo and Peter Picciolo; her sister Jeanne Wallrath (John), step-brother Arlan Hesse (Trudy) and step-sister Rosanne Debats; she also leaves behind her dear companion Roger Kissinger with whom she enjoyed many traveling adventures, hiking, dancing and Saturdays at the market in West Bend. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In addition to her parents and her husband, Frederick; Karel was preceded in death by her father John A. Ketterer, her mother Norma C. Cole, and her brother James A. Ketterer.
Memorial Service for Karel will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 25, 2019 at New Hope UCC, 4360 Jackson Drive, Jackson WI 53037, with Rev. James Hill officiating. Inurnment at Friedens Peace Cemetery in Jackson, WI.
Karel’s family will greet relatives and friends at church on Sunday from 1 p.m. until the time of service. Memorials to Sjogrens Syndrome Society and Habitat for Humanity.
Karel’s family extends their heartfelt appreciation to the staff at Lawlis Family Hospice for the loving care they provided.
The Myrhum Patten Miller & Kietzer Funeral Home of West Bend has been entrusted with Karel’s arrangements.
