Rose Marie Ketter, 95, of Campbellsport entered her heavenly home on Friday, April 11, 2025.
She was born on September 9, 1929, in Blackstone, VA, the daughter of James and Lillie Branum. Rose graduated from Blackstone High School in 1946 and Blackstone Women’s College in 1948.
On August 16, 1952, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Crew, VA, she married the love of her life, Walter E. Ketter and moved to Wisconsin. Living here for more than 73 years, Rose never completely lost her southern accent. An all too familiar comment, “you’re not from around here are you?” was often heard if health concerns led to trips for medical care.
After 32 years, Rose retired from Regal Ware, Inc. where she loved her job as an Executive Secretary for the Reigle family. While there, she co-founded and was a charter member of the Kettle Moraine Chapter of Professional Secretaries, International.
She was a longtime member of St. Mathias Catholic Church in the Town of Auburn and was active in their Altar Sodality. She later became a member of St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Campbellsport, where she volunteered at the parish center for many years.
Rose was an ardent Brett Favre and Tiger Woods fan and had a keen interest in most sports. She loved to shop, go to lunch with family and friends, and looked forward every year to her annual trip to Spring Green to attend APT performances with her best buddies, Adela, Delores, and Elsie. She was well known among family and friends for her Eclair Tortes and never saw a dog she didn’t want to pet.
Her unconditional love and support will be missed by family and friends. Rose is survived by her children, Debra (John) Donley; son, Jeffrey Ketter; her grandchildren, Lisa (Jeremy) Jelinek, and David Donley, her great-grandchildren, Evelyn and Cade Jelinek; and grand dogs, Manny, Zuit, and Violet. She is further survived by sisters-in-law, Alice Ketter and Peggy Ketter; numerous nieces, nephews, and treasured friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter; her parents; parents-in-law, Henry and Elsie Ketter; two brothers, Robert and James; a sister, Betty; brothers-in-law, Erwin, Elwyn, Elton, Loren, Duane, and Henry Jr.; and sisters-in-law, Joan Petersen and Cecelia Ketter.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, April 22, at 1 p.m. at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, 406 E. Main St. Campbellsport. Rev. Mark Jones will officiate and burial will follow in Union Cemetery, Campbellsport.
Visitation will be Tuesday, April 22, from 11 am until time of mass at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to St. Matthew’s Catholic Church.
Rosie’s family wishes to thank the staff at Ivy Manor of West Bend and Preceptor Hospice for their patient and compassionate care and her “adopted” children, Vicki Ebben, Jim Baumhardt, Terry Seil, Kathy Vess, and Jeanne Page for their loving support.
Twohig Funeral Home is serving the family with online guestbook and condolences at www.twohigfunerals.com
