Paul Ketterer

MADISON - Paul Ketterer lived a fulfilled life. He was born in Madison, Wisconsin, on April 2, 1946, and left this earth on Monday, Sept. 26, 2022.                               

From early childhood, he had his own bookshelf in his room and learned to read before he was in kindergarten. In 1951, he attended the new Midvale School on Madison’s West Side. His Dad cut a quarter mile path through the woods so he and the neighborhood kids could walk. By first grade, the woods were streets and new houses. School was full of good vibes and even had a library. School and libraries were his lifelong favorite places.

Paul graduated from Madison Central High School in 1964 and from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1968. He attended Garrett Evangelical Seminary and received his Master of Divinity degree in 1972 and his Doctor of Ministry degree in 1982. At the University, close groups of friends from high school and at the Wesley Foundation were as important as the schoolwork. A similar supportive group made seminary vibrant.

Paul had a rewarding career as a United Methodist Pastor serving churches in Melrose, Cataract, Shamrock, Monroe, Mosinee, Platteville, Burlington and Lake Mills, Wisconsin. It was an honor and privilege for him to live the journey of faith with so many great-hearted people. In retirement Paul found more ways to serve by working with the Goodman Community Center Food Pantry. It brought him great joy to be in service to others and he enriched the lives of many with his guidance, wisdom, love, and kindness. Paul loved people, especially those “least among us” and believed everyone had a story worth listening to.

Reading was a deep passion for Paul. It enriched his life in many ways through the attainment of knowledge and as entertainment. A book was never out of reach for Paul and visits to new places often included stops at libraries or bookstores. At times, his ability to get engrossed in a book was very frustrating for his family!

Paul married Kaye Morgan in 1974 and they were later joined by two children, Ben (Julia) and Sobha (Trevor). More recently Ben and Julia added two grand girls to the family, Elena (6) and Eloisa (2). Paul loved his family to the moon and back and they were his greatest joy. His body and mind were constantly at work either doing projects for his children, from house remodeling to building a back yard shed, or dreaming up projects for another time. When he wasn’t working on projects at his children’s homes, he found many things to do at his own home from painting walls to installing flooring to building furniture. After the addition of Elena and Eloisa to his family he spent countless hours reading to them, taking them on adventures, and being a grateful grandpa in whatever role he could play.

Paul gave thanks for every day and had no regrets. He traveled extensively over his lifetime learning more about people through culture and adventure. His travels to 49 states and many countries brought richness to his life. Paul always felt proud of the accomplishments of his children and continued to provide unconditional love until the very end. He didn’t face his lung disease alone. His family and many friends gave so much support. Agrace Hospice was always with him with their expertise and comfort. Thank you Agrace, from the bottom of Paul’s heart.

Paul leaves behind his family:  Kaye, Ben, Julia, Elena, Eloisa, Sobha, and Trevor; his brother, Neil and wife, Nancy; nephew, Keith and wife, Deanne; grandniece, Amanda; and many other family members and dear friends.

Friends and family are invited to a gathering to honor Paul’s life at the Goodman Community Center, 214 Waubesa St., Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 21, 2022. There will be an opportunity to greet the family from 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. with a memorial service following at 5 p.m. The service will include time for friends and family to share fond memories of Paul. A meal will be served after the service.    

Those wishing to honor Paul with a memorial may donate to the Goodman Center (https://www.goodmancenter.org/donate) or Agrace Hospice (Agrace.org/Donate). Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com <http://www.gundersonfh.com>.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-520