Dr. Ernest Walther Kettel died in his home peacefully with Jo Ann, his wife of 73 years, at his side on February 7th, 2025 at the age of 96.
He was born on October 8, 1928 at home in Wild Rose, North Dakota to Carl William Kettel and Orla (Kolke) Kettel.
Ernie grew up experiencing the dust bowl years of North Dakota then moved with the family to Sequim, Washington where he played in the woods and fished in the rivers. He attended Sequim schools and graduated in 1946.
Ernie attended what was then Washington State College where in 1953 he graduated with a degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. During college he met his wife Jo Ann Lounsbury in chemistry lab, and they married in 1951. Ernie and Jo Ann had four boys and a girl over the next 10 years.
Ernie and Dr. Snook purchased a veterinary practice in Deer Park, Washington in 1953. They grew the practice from a small strip mall space to a large building in Deer Park which is still in operation today employing many doctors and staff.
Ernie was civic minded having participated on Deer Park City Council as well as the school board. He was instrumental in leading a group of people to establish Faith Lutheran Church.
Ernie enjoyed activities such as traveling, fishing, golfing, woodworking, camping, attending childrens’ activities, and church events. Fishing for Kokanee silvers on Loon Lake and many enjoyable years playing on the beach at his lake cabin brought joy to the entire family. In later years he and his wife enjoyed traveling as far as Europe, New Zealand, Hawaii, Panama Canal, Alaska, and many US states.
After retiring in 1993 they spent 20 years enjoying Tucson, Arizona as snowbirds. Ernie competed in the city-wide senior Olympics where he won several gold medals for horseshoes.
Ernie is survived by his wife Jo Ann at the home, sons Steven (Arceil) of Spokane, Bryan (Kathleen) of Cle Elum, David (Lynda) of Shelton, Randall (Linda) of Bremerton, and daughter Teresa (Steven) Phelps of Deer Park, his brother Lawrence (Betty) Kettel of Sequim, 21 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.
Ernie is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Art and Harold, and sister Delores Lannoye.
A wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend to many, Ernie was a kind, thoughtful man who loved us all and loved Jesus. He formed a special bond with all his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and they loved him very much. Ernie lived a life defined by his faith and trust in his Lord Jesus Christ. We will miss him dearly.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 1:00 pm at Faith Lutheran Church, 214 S. Weber Rd., Deer Park, WA. 99006.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Faith Lutheran Church, Deer Park WA.
