DARRELL LEE KETELSEN

Darrell Lee Ketelsen was born May 29, 1939, the son of Hans (Peter) and Ella Dierks Ketelsen. He passed away Monday, August 5, 2013, at the Crawford County Memorial Hospital in Denison, Iowa, at the age of 74.

Darrell was born on the family farm north of Dow City, Iowa. He was baptized on June 25, 1939, and confirmed March 29, 1953, at St. John Lutheran Church in Charter Oak, Iowa. Darrell received his early education at the St. John Lutheran School in Charter Oak and attended high school at Charter Oak. After high school Darrell worked at the International Implement Store in Dow City and Roy Gumm's Standard Station in Dow City. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on November 7, 1961, receiving his technical training at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, Colorado, and George Air Force Base in California, before being stationed in Turkey. He received his honorable discharge at McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kansas, on November 5, 1965. Upon returning to Dow City, Darrell bought the service station and ran a tank wagon service. He sold the station and then worked selling satellite dishes before getting into the HVAC business. Darrell was united in marriage to Cheryl Pequignot on January 10, 1965, at Zion Lutheran Church in Victorville, California. In 1975 they adopted their precious daughter Sarah.

Darrell served as Commander of the Dow City American Legion Post 444 for 10 years and was very active in his community as a volunteer fireman on the Dow City Fire Department for many years, President of the Dow City Senior Citizen Housing Board, helping to get several apartment complexes built, serving on the Dow City Community Club, being instrumental in starting the Dow City Community Building, and held two terms on the City Council. He was also very active in his church where he was Elder and Sunday School Superintendent at Bethlehem Lutheran in Dow City.

Darrell enjoyed being with family and friends and playing cards. He and Sherry traveled throughout the United States visiting relatives and in later years wintering in Arizona. One of the highlights of his life was taking a trip to Israel with Sherry and her parents. Darrell loved music and every night he played the piano as well as the trumpet on occasion. Darrell used his creative touch to make stained glass objects.

Darrell was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife, Sherry; one daughter, Sarah and her husband, Phil; two grandsons, Christopher and Nathan Lee; one sister, Rosemary; and two brothers: Elvin and his wife, LaJeanne; and Henry (Hank) and his wife, Colleen; other relatives and friends.

Memorial Services were held 10 A.M., Saturday, August 10, 2013, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Dow City, Iowa. Rev. David Loeschen officiated the service and graveside rites held at St. Paul's Cemetery in Charter Oak, Iowa. Organist Mary Ellen Hafner provided accompaniment for congregational hymns, "Amazing Grace," "Beautiful Savior," "God Bless Our Native Land," and "The Lord's Prayer." "Go Rest High On That Mountain" was played on CD. Serving as Pallbearers were Verle McCutcheon, Ramon Patino, Roger Frank, and Ray Crilly. Military Honors were provided by Offut Air Force Honor Guard of Omaha, Nebraska. The family invited everyone to the Brasel Building for fellowship and lunch provided by Deb's Deli and the Bethlehem Ladies Aid. The Huebner Funeral Home in Denison was in charge of arrangements.