In Memory Of
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Gerard P. Ketter
Sabetha, Kansas
05/12/1935 - 11/23/2025
Gerard “Jerry” Paul Ketter, 90, of Sabetha died at the Sabetha Community Hospital on Sunday, November 23, 2025.
Jerry was born on May 12, 1935, in Centralia, Kansas, the son of Henry and Adelaide (Huerter) Ketter.
He attended grade school in Bancroft, Kelly, and Wetmore, and graduated from Wetmore High School in 1953. After high school, he worked in the parts department at McDaniel Motors in Wetmore.
In February 1955, Jerry was inducted into the U.S. Army, serving 15 months in Korea before being honorably discharged just before Christmas in 1956.
On April 27, 1957, Jerry married Edith Moyer at St. James Catholic Church in Wetmore, Kansas. Together they raised five children.
Jerry attended Washburn University and began his career with Western Electric before joining the United States Post Office, where he worked for 33 years. He served as Postmaster in Pauline, Kansas, from 1963 to 1967 and in Sabetha, Kansas, from 1974 until his retirement in 1990.
He was deeply involved in his community and church. He was a charter member and chairman of Shawnee County Water District #7, a member and past president of Sabetha Kiwanis, and a charter member of Knights of Columbus Sabetha Council 10279, where he served as Grand Knight and District Deputy. Jerry chaired the Sacred Heart Church Building Committee.
He also held leadership roles in NARFE (National Association of Retired Federal Employees) as Post Area 1A Vice President and Treasurer of the Kansas Federation of NARFE Chapters and was a member of the National Association of Postmasters of the United States (NAPAS).
Jerry generously gave his time to numerous local boards and committees, including the Civic Planning Committee for USD 437, Rocky Hill 4-H Club (as Community Club Leader and Project Leader), Shawnee County 4-H Fair Board, Pauline South PTO (as President), Ken Berry League (as Softball Manager), USD 441 Advisory Committee, Sabetha Pride Steering Committee (as Chairman), Albany Historical Society Board, and the Log Cabin Committee (as Chairman).
Jerry’s life was marked by service—to his country, his family, his church, and his community. His dedication, generosity, and leadership touched countless lives.
Gerard (Jerry) was preceded in death by his wife, Edith; his parents, Henry and Adelaide; his brothers, Anthony, George, Albert, Francis, Wilfrid (Bill), Elmer, and Vincent; his sisters, Margaret, Elizabeth, and Catherine; and a son-in-law, Richard Powell.
Jerry is survived by his three sons, Philip (Nancy) Ketter of Lecompton, Kevin (DeeAnn) Ketter of Auburn, Nebraska, and Dr. Ivan (Linda) Ketter of Topeka; his two daughters, Ellen Powell, Germantown, Tennessee, and Trina (Michael) McCarty of Manhattan; 13 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.
A rosary will be prayed at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, December 5, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sabetha, Kansas with Mass of Christian Burial following at 10 a.m. The Burial will be in St. Bede’s Catholic Cemetery in Kelly.
Memorials are for American Cancer Society and/or Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sabetha, sent in care of the family.
A rosary will be prayed at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, December 5, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sabetha, Kansas with Mass of Christian Burial following at 10 a.m. The Burial will be in St. Bede’s Catholic Cemetery in Kelly.
A rosary will be prayed at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, December 5, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sabetha, Kansas with Mass of Christian Burial following at 10 a.m. The Burial will be in St. Bede’s Catholic Cemetery in Kelly.
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Truly a great man who was blessed with a long life and loving family. I know my brother Richard was grateful for the family that brought him the love of his life, Ellen Ketter-Powell and their beautiful children.
Sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. I was surprised that his extensive research into the Schmits/Huerter family ancestry records was not mentioned. I know his research took many hours of his time and we appreciate his diligence.
I’m so sorry to hear of his passing. Jerry was a neighbor and a fellow bridge player. When he lived on north 75 we lived across the highway. His horse got out and our Grandson was to help corral the wandering animal, but as I was calling Jerry he decided the horse was much too big and refused to help. It was a feat when after the horse was caught to get him to approach and pet the giant. We talk of this regularly and how calming Jerry was to a frightened child. I will miss him and his slow and gentle ways.
I was saddened to read that Jerry had passed away but I knew he wasn’t in church last Sunday and he is always there! When I worked at the church as secretary, he helped me to learn to type again and to work on my speed. He found some speakers for my computer at home. And when we were selling our car, he took pictures of it and put it online! He was so helpful. It was hard to see him age! He would always like to sit at the round table after Mass to visit! He helped to make our church what it is today!