Roger Gene Ketelsen

Nov. 12, 1934 to Oct. 22, 2021.

Roger G. Ketelsen, died peacefully at the age of 86 on October 22, 2021. Roger was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend to many. He was born in Denver, Colorado on November 12, 1934 to Herbert Ludwig Peter Ketelsen and Alice Emma Wilhelmena Burke Ketelsen. Roger enjoyed his years at Emmaus Lutheran School and Wheatridge High School where he was active in both academia and sports. He attended Valparaiso University in Indiana on a Golf Scholarship and graduated in 1956.

On June 11, Roger married his lovely bride, Arlyss L. Lancaster. Together, they had four children and enjoyed 65 years of married life as they traveled and worked in Denver, Oklahoma City, Omaha, Baltimore, and Lincoln. He worked for USF&G Insurance Companies and The Independent Insurance Agents of Nebraska for most of his career. In addition to being an avid book reader and golfer all his life, Roger also enjoyed fishing, camping, tennis, photography and gardening. He is remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather and a proud Husker fan.

Roger is survived by his wife, Arlyss Lynette Ketelsen; his daughter Cynthia Lyn Ketelsen and husband Robert Caricato; his son Roger Scott Ketelsen and wife Tracey, granddaughter Kyndal Rose Courtney and husband Jonathan Courtney, great grandsons Jonathan Nicholas (JC) and Kayden Blake ; his daughter Pamela Sue Ketelsen Boers, and granddaughters Natascha Elaine Boers, Marijke Arlysse Boers Worra and grandson Jan Christopher Boers; daughter Patricia Lee Witt and husband Jeffery Allen Witt, grandson, Jefferey Allen Witt, Jr., granddaughter Amelia Rose Witt, granddaughter Breanna Michelle Witt and life partner Brent Schwartz, great granddaughter Chloe Nicole Schwartz; granddaughter Kristina Tracey Will and life partner Cole Houlden and great granddaughters Tatum Rose Witt, Penelope Jean Strothkamp and Breck Houlden.

Roger always had a smile and a strong handshake for everyone. His joy and love of life will be missed daily by his family and friends. We pray God give Roger His grace, His peace, His comfort and His presence as we cherish our loving memories.

Please join us for a memorial service to be held on Monday, November 1 at 4:00 pm at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church at 3825 Wildbriar Lane, Lincoln, NE. A virtual broadcast / streaming link will be made available at this link: https://www.youtube.com/goodshepherdlincoln. Once you enter the website, look for photo link for the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church; 3825 Wildbriar Lane Lincoln NE 68516, (402)423-7639. Online donations can be made here.

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