John E. Ketter

John E. Ketter of Grafton passed away peacefully in his sleep on Nov. 22, 2025, at the age of 84. 

He was born on Sept. 2, 1941, in Chilton, Wis., to Bert and Gwen Ketter. 

On Aug. 3, 1968, he married Denise Sell in New Holstein, Wis., at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. In 1977, the couple relocated from Beloit, Wis., to Port Washington, Wis., where they raised their twin sons Sean and Michael.

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

John graduated from Chilton High School in 1960 and went on to receive a bachelor of arts degree from St. Norbert’s College in 1964, later receiving a master’s degree in guidance counseling from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. 

John taught social studies and driver’s education at Beloit Catholic High School for 10 years, where he also served as a guidance counselor after receiving his master’s degree. While at BCH, John also coached basketball, football, baseball and 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). He is further survived by brothers-in-law Chuck Sell and 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 21 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, Dec. 11, 2025, at 1 p.m., at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Grafton, with Father Tim Schumaker officiating. Visitation will be from noon to 12:45 p.m. at the church. A private committal service will take place at Resurrection Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Children’s Wisconsin and the Grafton Scholarship Fund are appreciated. 

Please see www.muellerfuneralhome.com for online condolences.