John J. Ketelsen, 65, of Sloan, passed away unexpectedly at his residence on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022.

John Julius Ketelsen was born Feb. 20, 1957 in Everly, the son of Elden and Helen (Meyn) Ketelsen. He grew up on the family farm and graduated from Everly High School in 1975. He continued his education at Western Iowa Technical Community College, attaining a vocational degree. He worked for a private aviation company at the Sioux City Airport for over 30 years.

John and Danet Lindsey were united into marriage in 1988. To this union three children were born: Nicholas Elden, Katie Louise and Emily Helen. He was a proud father, never missing a sporting event or school activity. They were the greatest joy of his life.

John enjoyed hunting, fishing, cooking, playing cribbage and having coffee with friends. He was a kind, humble and generous friend to many and always saw the good in others and in life. He was also an avid Kansas City Chiefs and Iowa Hawkeye fan.

John was a devoted member of both Skien Lutheran Church in Albaton and the Attica Lodge #502 A.F. & A.M. in Sloan.

Those who loved him include his children, Nicholas Ketelsen, of San Diego, Calif.; Katie Graskewicz and her husband, Tyler, and Emily Ketelsen, all of Nashville, Tenn.; granddaughter, Penelope “Poppy LouLou” Graskewicz, of Nashville, and an expected grandchild in January 2023; two sisters: Jeanie MacDonald and her husband, Ray, of Everly; and Ellen Meyn and her husband, John York, of Reno, Nev.; brother-in-law, John Tock, of Orange City; nieces and nephews: Chancy, Cheyanne, Tanner, Ross, Ashley, James, Laurel, Joanna, Debbie, David, Valerie, Travis, David, Drew, Brendan and Olivia; many great-nieces and nephews; and several other cousins, relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Ann Tock.

A memorial service was held Friday, Oct. 28, at Skien Lutheran Church in Albaton (rural Sloan) with Pastor Catie Newman officiating. A private family scattering ceremony was held at a later date. A prayer service was held on Oct. 27 with Pastor Craig Bock and Pastor Newman officiating, as was a Masonic service with Steve Jewett as orator. Arrangements were under the direction of Goslar Funeral Home and Monuments, of Onawa.

Honorary bearers were Tony Swanson, Bob Petersen, Norm Sindt, Jim Meyerdirk, John York, Ray MacDonald and John Tock.