Jerry L. Ketchum, 78, died unexpectedly on December 21, 2022, at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa. With him were his wife Karen Ketchum; son Scott Ketchum; daughter Alyson Rasmusson; son-in-law Rick Rasmusson; grandson Tavian Fortune; granddaughters Mia Rasmusson and Alex Anton; granddaughter-in-law Peyton Fortune; and great grandson Jayden Fortune. Cherisse Ketchum (Scott’s wife) could not travel to be here, and sent her loving condolences. Jerry was born in Savanna, Illinois, to Omar and Doris Ketchum, the oldest of five sons. His brother Thomas Ketchum lives in Indianapolis, Indiana; James Ketchum in Linn County, Iowa; and Bob Ketchum in Algona, Iowa.
Jerry was passionate about cars and became interested in auto body work while in high school in Oelwein, IA. As his skills improved, they eventually led him to work in Marshalltown, Iowa, where he managed and owned several auto body shops over his career. He also met his wife Karen in Marshalltown, with whom he was married for nearly 55 years.
Scott fondly remembers the days working with his father restoring their classic Mustang, exploring shows at many Iowa fairgrounds in search of unique auto parts and antiques, and creating interesting art pieces out of found objects to decorate their yard and home.
Alyson says, “Dad, thank you for being my daddy and being such an amazing grandpa to my kids! So many memories, always getting my hook out of bushes and trees while fishing; taking my fish off the hook so I didn’t have to touch it; going to swap meets; watching racing on tv, and taking me to my first dirt track races here in town. You embarrassed me as often as you could, and I will miss that every day! But most of all, I will miss your horrible dad jokes and your laugh that followed. You and Mom showed Rick and me how a loving marriage could withstand anything this world throws at it. I was blessed to be able to call you my dad! Thank you for loving me; I know you will be with us always.”
Tavian (with Peyton’s thoughts, too) says: “Ever since I can remember, my grandpa has always shared the things he loves with the people around him, everything from his love for cars to his commitment to seeing his family and friends smile and laugh every day. The drive and passion he’s shown to others are truly inspiring and will continue through the countless people he’s helped throughout his life.”
From Mia: “Grandpa, I will miss your really bad dad jokes, working in the garage with you, all the times you embarrassed us in public, your stubbornness, all the great talks we had, how you would answer the phone ‘This is me,’ all the times we ate ice cream sandwiches together, and your fried egg sandwiches (no one can make them like you). I love you, Grandpa.”
From Alexandra: I am so grateful to have had you a part of my life, Grandpa. I will truly miss you. I love you.
What do you say about a husband who was part of a loving marriage for nearly 55 years? We weren’t much alike when we married, but by December 21, 2022, we were more alike than different. We raised two wonderful children, loved being in our grandchildren’s lives and recently became great grandparents. We each had our interests, and we shared them with each other. If we didn’t agree on something, we worked it out or decided, in the scheme of things, it wasn’t important to agree. For years, we often went to Hy-Vee for breakfast, to do the Times crossword, and talk about this and that. Little things, such as I made his coffee in the mornings and he would get something for me from another room, were the kindnesses that became part of our lives. I will love and miss him for the rest of my days.
Donations can be made on Jerry’s behalf to the Iowa Organ Donors Network, 5838 Grand Avenue Ste 106, Des Moines, IA 50312-1439.
Services for Jerry will be held on Thursday, December 29 at 2:00 P.M. at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home with Pastor Gregg Davison officiating. He will be laid to rest at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens. For questions or condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234.
– lovingly written by the family
