John E. Ketner

GILBOA – John E. Ketner, 88, of Gilboa, passed away at 3:11 p.m. on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at the Meadows of Leipsic. He was born September 25, 1934, at a family home in Gilboa to the late Alvin and Clara (Carr Chambers) Ketner.  On February 27, 1959, he married Diane Ricketts, who survives in Gilboa.

John is also survived by two daughters: Dawn (Alan) Schimmoeller of Ottawa and Deb (Bradley) Slick of Onsted, MI; four grandchildren: Jason (Crystal) Schimmoeller, Emily (Kira) Fuerst, Bradly (Ashley) Hohenbrink and Heather Hohenbrink; nine great-grandchildren: Zoie (Maleek) Pernell, Mackenzie Schimmoeller, Ethan Schimmoeller, Marlissa Schimmoeller, Pyper Schimmoeller, Addison Hohenbrink, Armen Hohenbrink, Jadzia Fuerst and Sarina Fuerst; two great-great-grandchildren: Ky'airra Pernell and Mathew Pernell; and two siblings: Edwin (Pat) Ketner of Ottawa and Jane White of Westbend, WI.

He is preceded in death by a brother, David Henry (Jan) Ketner; two sisters; Carolyn Zoe (John) Geiger and Sue Ann Ketner; and two half-brothers: Alvin Lee (Faye) Ketner, Jr. and Alfred Don (Kathryn) Ketner.

John was a 1952 graduate of Pandora-Gilboa High School.  He entered into the United States Army in July of 1954, where he was stationed in Hawaii and served until 1956. John proudly served as the former Gilboa Police Chief, Fire Chief for Blanchard-Gilboa Fire Department and was the first First Responder for Gilboa. He attended Gilboa United Methodist Church and was a member of the Findlay Blue Knights, Gilboa Harter Williams Legion, former Gilboa Council and Election Board.  John retired from Philips Display Components, Ottawa and the Gilboa Elevator. His favorite job was mowing the Park at Gilboa.  He liked watching eagles, fishing, boating, waterskiing, motorcycle riding, car racing at Millstream in Findlay and handcuffing newlyweds, taking them for a ride in his police car.

Funeral Service will begin 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at Gilboa United Methodist Church with Pastor Ruth Carter-Crist officiating.  Burial will follow at Harman Cemetery, Gilboa with military rites by Gilboa and Ottawa American Legion, VFW, Amvets and DAV.  Visitation will be held from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, prior to the service at the church.  Arrangements are under the direction of LOVE FUNERAL HOME, Ottawa.

Memorial donations may be made to Gilboa United Methodist Church.

Condolences may be expressed at www.lovefuneralhome.com.

Gilboa United Methodist Church