Faith G. Kettner

Faith Gloria Kettner, loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, passed away on April 18, 2018 at Aspirus Hospice House, Wausau, Wisconsin. She was born April 1, 1943, in Whitehall, WI, to Freeman and Gladys (Kvaalseth) Benedict. On February 11, 1967, Faith and Harvey Kettner were united in marriage, a union lasting over 51 years. Faith attended Whispering Pines, a one-room, elementary school in Jackson County. She graduated from Blair High School in 1961 where she was an honor student, the yearbook editor, Badger Girls' State Representative and involved in many other activities. After graduation, she enjoyed attending the Class of '61 Reunions. Faith worked as a camp counselor at Camp Ehawee Girl Scout Camp near La Crosse and Camp Blackhawk Girl Scout Camp near Antigo. Faith earned her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire in 1965, where she was a member of Gamma, Sigma, Sigma, a service sorority. She received her Master's Degree from UW Stevens Point and her Educational Administration Degree from UW Superior. Faith dedicated her thirty-seven-year career in education to the Wausau School District both as a teacher and as an administrator. She worked at Hewitt-Texas, Berlin and Hawthorn Hills elementary schools. Her enthusiasm and love of teaching young children never wavered. She remembered each of her hundreds of students by name. Faith's concern and care went beyond the walls of her classroom. She loved guiding many programs as the Principal at Hewitt-Texas including the Honored-Student Board, the Birthday Lunch with the Principal, the Dream Flight, Christmas programs, science fairs and track meets among others. Faith was instrumental in healing the Hewitt-Texas family after a devastating fire. In her retirement, she enjoyed gardening, reading and writing the 'Recipe Corner' for the Merrill Courier. As a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, she served on the Social Concerns Committee and Pre-School Board and taught Bible School. Faith was also active in the Wisconsin Retired Educators' Association, Riverside Athletic Club, Embroidery Guild, Lioness Club of Merrill and the North Texas Homemakers Club. Faith was named Town of Texas Good Citizen in 1991. Survivors include her husband, Harvey Kettner, Wausau; daughter, Kelly Kettner, Irma; sister, Kathy Hager, Mission Viejo, CA; sisters-in-law, Lois Smith, Wausau; Judy (Dennis) Rhyner, Mosinee and Darlene (Paul) Habeck, Wausau; brothers-in-law, Donald (Shirley) Kettner, Wausau; Elmer Kettner, Antigo; Edward (Kay) Kettner, Wausau and Steven Hager, Mission Viejo, CA; aunts, Ila Benedict, Blair; Carol Benedict, Blair and Ruby Henderson, Galesville; godson, Rick Benedict, Galesville and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; nephew, Jesse Kettner; niece, Mary Kettner; cousin, Brenda Berndt; aunts, uncles and grandparents. The funeral, officiated by Pastor Kemp Jones, will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation starting at 9:00 a.m. at the church and a luncheon following the service in the church Fellowship Hall. Entombment will be at Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau at a later date. Memorials may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Pastor's Fund or to the Family's discretion. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences maybe expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.