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SPRINGFIELD--Jerome (Jerry) Kettner, 79, of Springfield, died Wednesday, August 26, 2026 at Oak Hills Living Center after courageously battling his recent health struggles.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Springfield. Visitation will be held from 9-11 a.m. at the church.
Jerome Richard Kettner was born on November 27, 1946 in Springfield, Minnesota to Elmer and Edna (Voge) Kettner. He was raised in rural Brown County, attended country school through sixth grade, where he met his lifelong friend, Roger Vanderwerf, and graduated from Springfield Public School.
Jerry proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1965 to 1967, where he met his very best hunting friend of over fifty years, Dan Linehan. In September 1968 he married Jerrine Radtke and together they built a life centered on family, farming and deer hunting, sharing fifty-seven years of marriage and raising their four children, Stacey, Rondi, Jason (Butch) and Jesse.
More than anything, Jerry cherished time spent with his family and friends. He was an exceptionally proud father, grandfather and great-grandfather and he loved celebrating all of their special accomplishments with them.
He had many hobbies throughout his lifetime that included racing at Redwood Speedway, coon hunting in many river bottoms with friends, was always ready for a good game of Sheephead, but everyone who knew Jerry knew his lifelong passion was his deer hunting and all the stories he loved to tell about his hunting excursions. Most of us have heard the stories "at least" once. He shared this passion with Jerrine, his children and grandchildren. May his final "drive" be the best one ever!
Jerome is survived by his wife, Jerrine (Radtke) Kettner; his children Stacey (Jeff) Weisensel of Springfield, Rondi (Jeff) Kodet of Redwood Falls, Jason Kettner of Springfield and Jesse Kettner of Clements; his grandchildren Nicholas (BJ) Welle, Tanner (fiancé Holly Hansen) Weisensel, LaCole Weisensel, Emmily (fiancé Grady White) Kodet, Kalli (Cameron) Grigg, Macie Kodet, Sophie Kodet and Trenton Kettner; great-grandchild Myles Weisensel; sisters Jean (Al) Breitbarth, Judy (Ron) Traurig and Sharon (Roy) Schwegal; brother Douglas (Kitty) Kettner; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends who will miss him dearly.
He is preceded in death by his parents Elmer and Edna; sisters Lois Dion and Darlene Simkins; infant brother Kenneth; and several brothers/sisters-in-law.
Jerry will be remembered for his unwavering work ethic, devotion to his family and his love of farming and hunting. His legacy lives on through the family he loved so deeply and the countless memories they will forever treasure.
Rest in peace "JFK."