It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Jerry C. Kettwig, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, who peacefully departed from this world on February 7, 2025 at the age of 93.
Jerry was born on October 15, 1931 in Hazel, South Dakota, to loving parents Emil and Ricka Kettwig. He was the youngest of at least seven siblings. His early childhood was during the Great Depression and The Dust Bowl. He graduated from Henry High School, where he was involved in sports.
While in high school, he met his lifelong love, Elaine Kruthoff. They married in August of 1950 and were married for 67 years. During their marriage they had 4 children, Lori, De Ann, Kathy and Pamela. Jerry also developed a special relationship with their good friend's son, Larry Stanley. He looked at Larry as his son and Larry called Jerry his "second dad".
Jerry served in the Air Force during the Korean War, and the Air National Guard in South Dakota. He was also a truck driver. He accepted a position with Boeing and moved his family to Washington. He remained at Boeing until the big layoffs and then returned to truck driving.
Jerry had a breakfast meeting with some of the men from Ocean Park Luther Church in his garage. They called it the Breakfast Bunch. In 2010, Jerry and the Breakfast Bunch were asked by Jerry's daughter, De Ann, to help her with Shoeboxes of Joy, a holiday project benefitting the elderly and disabled that she had begun in 2008. Jerry and the Breakfast Bunch supported the project wholeheartedly, helping to make it the success it is today.
Jerry is survived by his children, Lori Briggs (and her husband Don), De Ann Kettwig (and her husband Scott Lough), Kathy Ramthun (and her husband Richard); Pamela Kramlich, and Larry Stanley (and his wife Cathy). He is also survived by his brother-in-law Kenneth Kruthoff, 7 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends.
A celebration of Jerry's life will be held on March 1, 2025 at Ocean Park Lutheran Church at 1:00 P.M. The family invites all those who knew and loved Jerry to join them in honoring his memory. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Shoeboxes of Joy; the cause that was close to Jerry's heart.
Jerry Kettwig will be dearly missed but never forgotten.
Preceded in death by his parents, 6 siblings, and his wife Elaine.
Memorial and condolences can be sent to:
Family of Jerry Kettwig
P.O. Box 684
Long Beach, WA 98631
