Donald Kettler

Donald F. Kettler age 91 of Cambridge, formerly of Vadnais Heights, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on December 26, 2024.

Donald was born on December 22, 1933 at home on a farm in Melrose, MN to Frank and Agnes Kettler. Rumor has it that he was placed in the oven to keep him warm on that bitter cold night.

He grew-up in the Melrose area, attending and graduating Melrose High School in 1951.  After graduation, Donald joined the US Air Force.  He was sent to Korea and worked as a Radio Specialist “Spying” on the communist Chinese while flying over enemy territory. Shortly after Donald was honorably discharged from the Air Force, he began teaching computer science in California.

He accepted a position at Control Data and worked his way up the company ladder to Vice-President of Operations.  He left Control Data in the late 80’s to pursue a new career at Rural Ventures. This career move enabled him to travel around the world teaching new agriculture and farming methods to help feed the world. After many wonderful and exciting years of gallivanting all over the world, Donald finally fully retired to take care of his wife Mary Lou and to immerse himself as a volunteer at St. Pius X Catholic Church in White Bear Lake, MN.

After the passing of his beloved wife, Donald moved to Cambridge to be closer to his family.  He continued his ministry with St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Isanti, distributing communion to parishioners that were home-bound.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents, nine siblings, son Kent and grandson Casey Brown.

He is survived by his children Kim Brown and Kurt (Jackie) Kettler; grandchildren Shaun (Michelle) Sontag, Heidi Carlson, Kevin Brown, Augusta Kettler and Blake Kettler.  Also survived by many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Donald’s passions were fishing, reading American history and playing Bingo.  He actually won a ‘cover all game’!

Funeral service 11 AM Thursday Jan 2, 2025 at Carlson-Lillemoen Funeral Home 311 S. Ashland St. Cambridge. 763-689-2244

Visitation 1 hour prior to service at the funeral home

Interment at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Cemetery in White Bear Lake, MN

Memorials preferred

Online condolences can be shared at www.carlsonlillemoen.com

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