Our dear mother, Mary Ketterhagen, sadly passed away on May 17, 2024. She was a wonderful mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother who was always there when we needed her, offering support, wisdom, and an abundance of love. Her beauty on the inside and out along with her loving, generous nature will be missed more than words can say. Mary was born in Marshfield, WI on May 20, 1940, and lived in her parents’ hometown of Milladore, WI as a baby before the family moved to Madison, WI. She attended Emerson Grade School and St. Bernard’s Catholic Grade School on Madison’s east side. She then went to Madison East High School for one year and graduated from Monona Grove High School in 1958.
After high school, Mary moved to Whitewater, WI to attend school at UW-Whitewater studying to become a biology teacher. It was here that she met her future husband, Joseph Ketterhagen. They were married on December 29, 1962, and had three children together. She was an amazing homemaker, cook, wife, and mother. She had a great love of gardening and nature, loved traveling with her husband Joe throughout the U.S., and had a passion for shopping, decorating, and her beautiful clothing. The memories of Mary’s delightfully sly sense of humor will bring a smile to our faces eternally. She was an active member of St. Patrick Catholic Parish and a member of The Christian Mothers. In 2022 she moved to Sun Prairie, WI and was a resident at Talamore Senior Living. We wish to thank the direct care providers there for the loving and compassionate care they gave Mary.
She is preceded in death by her mother Elizabeth (Hardina) Feit, her father Walter Feit, and her husband Joseph Ketterhagen. She is survived by her sister Kathleen Ihland of Madison, WI, her three children, Kurt (Kris) Ketterhagen of Whitewater, WI, Julie (Michael) Ketterhagen of Milwaukee, WI, and Ted (David) Ketterhagen of Madison, WI, and her three granddaughters, Megan Ketterhagen of San Diego, CA, Kara Ketterhagen (fiancé Sean Thrun) of Chicago, IL, and Ali Ketterhagen of Dallas, TX.
A Christian Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, May 23 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1225 W Main Street in Whitewater, WI with a reception to follow at 841 Brewhouse. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to The Make-a-Wish Foundation in her name.
Online Condolences may be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com
