Gerald 'Jerry' Ketten

Gerald ‘Jerry’ Ketten, 79, of Greenville, Illinois, passed away on September 9, 2024, at his home.

Jerry was born June 30, 1945, in Belleville, IL, the son of Victor Guy and DuAyne Elizabeth (Stone) Ketten. His family relocated to the Greenville area when he was a teenager.  He married Joyce Finke in 1965, welcoming two children, Joanne and Jeff, but later divorced. He was then married to Nancy Thomes, who preceded him in death. The last 20-plus years of Jerry’s life was spent as a loving partner to Laverne Kruger.

After graduating from Greenville High School, in 1965, he then enrolled in Ranken Technical College, where he received a certificate for carpentry. Jerry began his career in 1967 as a union carpenter, from which he later retired.

He was a member of Masonic Lodge #245 of Greenville, Illinois, as well as a ham radio operator with Okaw Valley Amateur Radio Club. His passion could be found in his music. Jerry would play anywhere, anytime. He was a huge fan of country western and old school country hits. Jerry enjoyed playing the bass guitar, performing with many different musicians over the years, but most notably with his bands from Altamont and Kinmundy, Illinois. Family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren were very important to Jerry and he enjoyed spending time with them.

Preceding Jerry in death were his parents and second wife, Nancy.

Those surviving Jerry are his children, Joanne (Mike) Suess and Jeff (Katie) Ketten, all of Greenville, Illinois; grandchildren, Trevor (Lauren) Suess, Kami (Michael) Hohm, Alli Jo Suess, Ashley (Joey) Iberg, Emma Ketten, all of Greenville, Illinois, David (Charis) Thompson of Pana, Illinois; 5 great grandchildren, with one on the way; and special friend, Laverne Kruger.

Visitation: 10:00 am. – 12:00 pm., Friday, September 13, 2024, at Assalley Funeral Home, 118 E. College Ave., Greenville, IL 62246.

Masonic Service: 12:00 pm., following the visitation.

Funeral: 12:30 pm., following the Masonic service, with Tyson Graber officiating.

Burial: Mt. Auburn Cemetery, following the funeral.

Memorials: Masonic Lodge #245, 1111 East College St., Greenville, Illinois, 62246.

The family has entrusted Assalley-Young Funeral Home in Greenville with the ceremonies.

Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories or offer condolences to the family.