Shirley M. (Allman) Kettner

Shirley Minnie Kettner, 86, beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother went home to her Lord peacefully surrounded by family and wrapped in the arms of her son Andy on Friday, June 21, at Benedictine Living Community, Wausau.

She was born on April 21, 1938 to the late Harold and Minnie (Stuhr) Allman in Marshfield, WI. Shirley was a graduate of Wausau Senior High School.

She first laid eyes on the love of her life, Donald Kettner at a basketball game. He immediately stole her heart.

On September 14, 1957, she married Don at St. Michael Catholic Church. They made Wausau, (Town of Texas) their home, where together they raised their family. She affectionately called him, “My Don!” and always lit up with a sparkle in her eye and a radiant smile on her face when she talked about him. Married for 66 wonderful years, their deep love and devotion for each other remained steadfast. Don’s unwavering love for Shirley was evident in the remarkable care and support he provided her during her times of need.

Shirley adored being a mother and a homemaker to their six children. She enjoyed baking bread, cinnamon rolls, cookies and pies for her family. She always had time to listen, talk and enjoy a good joke with her children. Her laugh was contagious. She was an incredible Mom! She enjoyed reading, listening to music (especially Christmas hymns) and had an exceptional appreciation for the beauty of nature, especially found delight in flowers, cardinals and long drives in the country.

Shirley also enjoyed working as a waitress at Chico’s Restaurant for 8 years.

Survivors include her husband Don, children; Wendi (Tony) Howe, Wausau, Tim Kettner (Deb), Port Wing WI, Kathy (Tom) Frank, Salem, Oregon, Andy (Michele) Kettner, Wausau, and Adam (Maria) Kettner, Wausau, grandchildren; Dylan (Rachel) Howe, Neal (Amy) Howe, Rachel (Brent) Kennedy, Donny Kettner, Shay (Robert) Courtis, Hannah (Jose) Silva, Atalie (Jordan) Wyatt, Delaney (Noah) Thompson, Jordyn Kettner, Jenna Kettner, Reece Kettner and Chase Kettner, great grandchildren; Ella Kennedy, Blakely Kettner, Henrik Howe, Silas Howe and Elias Howe, sister; Arlene Bauman.

She was preceded in death by her parents Harold and Minnie Allman, daughter Mary Kettner, granddaughters Allison and Terese Kettner, brothers Donald, Harlan and Harold Allman, sisters Janalee Gutowski, Marion King and Beverly (Lloyd) Swanson, sister-in-law and close friend Lois Smith, whom she shared a very special   relationship with and enjoyed many fun adventures.

Rest in Peace Shirley, we “Love you a Bushel and a Peck and a Hug Around Your Neck!”

The Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 am Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at St. Michael Catholic Church, Wausau.  Rev. Tom Linder will preside.  Entombment will be in the Memorial Chapel Mausoleum, Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 9:30 am Wednesday until the time of the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Aspirus Hospice, or St. Michael’s Catholic Church or a charity of your choice.

A very heartfelt thank you to Deb Jacobs for the love and special care that she gave Shirley.

The family would like to express their gratitude to all the healthcare providers at Aspirus Hospital, Benedictine Living Community and Dr. Abrego at Marshfield Clinic for making her final days comfortable and peaceful.

Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com