1953
2020
Kim Kerry Ketcham, 66, of Edwardsville, Illinois, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully, on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020 in Colorado. He was born on March 2, 1953 in Highland, Illinois, the son of the late Theodore and Delores (Schoenleber) Ketcham.
Kim is survived by his wife, Joan Marie (Schwalb) Ketcham, whom he married April 26, 1975 in Edwardsville.
Also surviving is his son, Kerry Kendall and wife, Jessie (Henkhaus) Ketcham; and their children, Kylie Kendyl and Koy Kerry Ketcham; one daughter, Katie Kay (Ketcham) and husband, Justin Chambers; two sisters; and several nieces and nephews.
Kim was actively involved in 4-H and FFA throughout school. He graduated from Edwardsville High School in 1971 and then attended trade school. He has been a member of the Operating Engineers Local 520 for 49 years.
At age 10, Kim started showing Suffolk sheep. He began traveling the country showing and fitting sheep for Bill Heggemeier. While traveling the country he saw a need for equipment to be used specifically for sheep, and this is how Ketcham's Sheep Equipment began in 1977. Showing sheep became a family tradition with his children and grandchildren. Kim was the foundation of the Ketcham family legacy. After 43 years in business, people that started out as customers became lifelong friends. Serving the sheep industry gave him great joy.
He was a member of the Suffolk Sheep Association and a board member for several years. Kim was a big supporter of the numerous sheep organizations. He enjoyed hunting, especially with his son, Kerry and grandson, Koy.
Kim was a wonderful husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a dear friend to so many. He will be missed by all.
Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 7, at Eden Church, 903 North Second Street, Edwardsville.
Visitation will resume at Eden Church on Saturday, Feb. 8, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. The funeral service will immediately follow at 11 a.m. with Pastor Paul Militzer officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to Madison County Fair Foundation for use by the Sheep Department.
Weber & Rodney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Online condolences may be expressed at weberfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Mary Goode
January 26, 2023
Every time I drive by the shop, I am reminded of how much I miss Kim & his shop family. What a blessing he was to me & my crew- always fixing up our equipment & keeping me running forward. His left behind a wonderful, loving & caring family, who I know miss him very much. Hugs to them !
Mary Goode I
January 26, 2022
I really miss Kim. What a great guy and a wonderful family he has. I miss the happy shop that the family ran together.
Terry Lacey
February 25, 2020
So sorry for your loss, a good neighbor and nice guy he will be missed.
kris straub
February 10, 2020
Joan, Kim and I were out of town when we heard the news and could not attend the funeral. We are so sorry by your loss. Kim and Kris Stahlhut
Larry & Berlene Sharp
February 9, 2020
Larry and I just wanted you to know how sad we are. Kim was so good to us and such an encouragement. We will remember him each time we walk through a Ketcham gate, use a fenceline feeder or panel. In other words, every time we go to the sheep barn. He was just a great person and will be missed by so many. Our thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of you. Sure wish we could have attended the services, but we are lambing now. I'm sure Kim understands . We hope to see you all down the road to give you a hug and shed a tear
jeff & carla strong
February 6, 2020
Sorry for your families loss, there will be a void. Praying for all of you. Heck of a guy
Fred and Janine Knop
February 6, 2020
Joan and Family,
Our hearts are saddened to learn that Kim passed away. It has been our family's pleasure to call Kim our friend. We have always respected Kim's dedication to the world of sheep be it through his equipment, his high standings in the industry, and his personal one-on-one relationship with people. It was evident that his family and the sheep world were the passions of his life.
Fred and Janine Knop
Atlantic, IA
Mary Ann Champion
February 4, 2020
Joan,Sharon,Carol and families, I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers being sent for Kim and all the family. May all your memories comfort you.
Larry,Betty and Don Heffernan
February 4, 2020
Prayers for Kim and his familyi knew him for a long time and he will be missed.
February 4, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss. God gives us a hope of being reunited with our loved ones again. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Mary Goode
February 3, 2020
I just heard the sad news. Kim was much bigger than his sheep shop. He had personality running through his veins, he was so smart- a great problem solver & first and foremost someone I consider to be my friend. You only have a few people that cross your path that you know would help you out in any type of bind- Those people are few & far between. Kim was one of those people to me. I will never forget him. This is a sad day for me. I know it has to be devastating for his wonderful family. I am so sorry for your loss. There is a part of him in each and everyone of you and it shines like the North star. God Bless you All.
Ed & Jan Hall
February 3, 2020
So sorry for your loss. Kim was a great guy. A friend and customer of mine for years.
Lynn Sulser
February 2, 2020
So sorry for your loss. I as many sure had a great time being associated and do business with Kim. He will be greatly missed by all of us people in the sheep Industry. Rest in pease my friend
Sandy Pfeiffer Thomas
February 2, 2020
So sorry to hear of the loss of Kim - may you all be comforted by friends, family and faith. I lived on Rt 159 north of Ketcham's house growing up.
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