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Susanne Kettler Obituary

Kettler, Susanne M. (Nee Klingler) Passed away peacefully surrounded by her beloved family, friends and caretakers on December 30, 2008. Sue fought ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) valiantly since 2003. Born April 21, 1941, in Schwaigern, Germany. She is preceded in death by her parents Johannes and Frieda Klingler, and father-in-law Dale Kettler. Sue is survived by her husband Thomas, son John, daughter Christine (Dr. Darryl) Stich, and grandsons Jackson and Tyler. Also surviving are Sue's beloved sister Wiltrud (the late Karlheinz) Saetzler of Schwaigern, Germany; mother-in-law Patricia Kettler of Platteville, WI; sister-in-law Mary (Dr. Barry) Smith; nieces, nephews, and many loving friends. After graduation from the Realschule in Germany, Sue moved to Michigan and then to Milwaukee in 1961. She worked initially at Deaconess Hospital and Sacred Heart Rehabilitation Hospital as a buyer. Sue then joined Schunk Graphite Technology as a manager of Customer Relations until her retirement. Sue also was a corporate secretary for her husband's business, Rite Realty. Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, January 3, 2PM at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 1755 N. Calhoun Rd., Brookfield. Visitation Friday, January 2, at the Funeral Home, from 4-8PM and on Saturday at the Funeral Home from 11:30AM until 1PM. (Procession to follow to St. John Vianney Catholic Church for Mass at 2PM.) Prayer service Friday 7PM at the Funeral Home. The family would like to thank Sue's caregivers Kay Fiedler and Rachel Seiberlich for their loving care. Also thanks to Dr. Paul Barkhaus and the entire ALS team at Froedtert Hospital for their years of professional assistance. Special thanks to Lori Banker-Horner and the entire staff of the ALS Association of Wisconsin for wrapping their arms around Sue and her family during this journey. In lieu of flowers, if desired, memorials to ALS Association of Southeastern Wisconsin appreciated. HARDER FUNERAL HOME 18700 W. Capitol Dr. 262-781-8350 www.harderfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel from Jan. 1 to Jan. 2, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
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Diane Haase

January 22, 2009

Dear Kettler Family,
I am sorry to hear of Sue's death. I know it was a long struggle for both Sue and the family, but it is never easy to lose one you love. May God Bless all of you. I cannot imagine what you are going through, but I certainly can relate to the ALS disease as it is 5 years since I lost Ralph.

Mary Christ

January 5, 2009

Tom, John & Chris,
I was saddened to learn of Sue's departure from all of us. She was a great teacher and an amazing person to be around. I believe we were truly blessed to have known her and have her in our lives. She will be missed.

Joe Fallico

January 5, 2009

Sue was a kind and wonderful person who always made me laugh and smile. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

Billie Jean Owings

January 5, 2009

I believe Sue is happy and whole now in the presence of the Lord. I am blessed to have known her.

Michael Keliher & family

January 5, 2009

I am deeply saddened that I was unable to attend the services and let the family know again what a comfort it was that my life was touched by Sue. She will continue to be an inspiration to me. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

Audra Mueller

January 5, 2009

When I look back and remember people that had an important impact on my life - Sue definately was one of mine. She always made time to listen when I needed someone to talk to. She had a special touch when dealing with people. Prayers to her and her family - she will always have a special place in my heart!
Audra Mueller

January 5, 2009

Sue was truly the best Manager I ever had. I have not seen Sue in many years but I understand that she fought this disease with courage and strength. May she be the shiniest star in the heavens.

Stacey Snyder

Chris Conrad

January 3, 2009

Uncle Tom, John, and Chrissey,
My heart and my thoughts go out to you today. When I think of Aunt Suzie I think of love and kindness. Mine and my family's prayers are with you tonight.

Dennis Parteka

January 3, 2009

When I think of Sue the sensations that come to me are kindness, serene and loving. Being around her always felt like being near something that was good, I feel fortunate to have had her touch my life. Many people say they have everything figured out and know what happens when we die, I say the one thing I do know is that I don’t know, what I intuitively feel though is that it’s okay and that dying is not a bad thing. Sue’s final act was to bring us together for a moment in time and to force us to think about what we once had and maybe to also think about what we still do have. As I think about Sue leaving us I do get sad but mostly thankful about how she enriched everyone’s life around her and that she is now at peace. If I had the opportunity to say one final thing to Sue that would sum it up I’d say to her, good job it doesn’t get any better than you.

Lindsay Vaughan

January 1, 2009

Dear Chrisey,


I am very sorry for your loss.

Jane Walsh

January 1, 2009

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Michaela Baker

January 1, 2009

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. Sue is truly in a better place now. May God bless you and your family.

Barbara Lutjen

January 1, 2009

Tom and Family: You have been an inspiration to many as you lovingly cared for Sue this past 6 years. You can say goodby to her knowing you did all you possibly could to make her days as normal and full of loving attention as possible.

Receive His comfort and peace.

Barb Lutjen

Cheryl Ceretto

January 1, 2009

Tom, John & Chris

My deepest sympathy on your loss. Sue is at peace now and will be watching over her loved ones.

Susanne Schnappup

January 1, 2009

My deepest sympathies. Sue will be missed by all. She was a person of dignity and courage. She had will but was very compassionate. I learned so much from her.

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