John E. Ketter

John E. Ketter, of Grafton, passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 22, 2025, at the age of 84. He was born on September 2, 1941, in Chilton, WI, to Bert and Gwen Ketter. On August 3, 1968, he married Denise Sell in New Holstein, WI at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. In 1977, the couple relocated from Beloit, WI to Port Washington, WI, where they raised their twin sons, Sean and Michael.

John was many things to many people. A loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother. A respected coach, teacher, counselor, and colleague. A trusted neighbor, and a friend. 

John graduated from Chilton High School in 1960, and went on to receive a BA from St. Norbert’s College in 1964, later receiving a masters degree in Guidance Counseling from UW-Whitewater. John taught Social Studies and Drivers Education at Beloit Catholic High School for 10 years, where he also served as guidance counselor after receiving his masters degree. While at BCH, John also coached Basketball, Football, Baseball, Track, and served as Athletic Director. He joined the Grafton High School staff in 1977, where he faithfully and diligently served as a Guidance Counselor and Department Chair until his retirement in 2002. 

John’s favorite hobbies included fishing, golf, camping and traveling, as well as following the Wisconsin professional and college teams that he enjoyed. Genealogy also stands out as an enjoyable past time. John is survived by his wife Denise (Dede), along with his twin sons Sean (GayAnne) and Michael (Betsy), and his granddaughter, Tori (daughter of Sean and GayAnne); his twin brother Joe (Barb), and his brother David (Barb). Further survived by brothers-in-law, Chuck Sell, Romy Krupp and other relatives and friends. 

John was proceeded in death by his parents, Bert and Gwen (Meloy) Ketter. A brother Jim (Carol), and sisters-in-law, Vicki Krupp, and Linda Faiella.

A heartfelt thank you is extended to the many family, friends and neighbors who have lovingly and open-heartedly supported and assisted John and Denise and their family over the years. A special thank you goes to their wonderful in-home caregiver, Sonja. 

John, may you rest in peace. In your twenty-one years of struggle, A complaint about the struggle was never voiced. The future place of enrollment does not need the service of a guidance counselor, because that is where quality souls go, you will be among the best, as it should be. 

There will be a Mass of Christian Burial for John on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 1:00 PM with Fr. Tim Schumaker Officiating at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Grafton. Visitation will be from 12:00 PM to 12:45 PM at the church. A private committal service will take place at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Children’s Wisconsin and Grafton Scholarship Fund.