Elmer Michael Kettner

Elmer Michael Kettner Sr. “Snooks,” 84, passed away peacefully April 30, 2023, at his home in the Town of Antigo, surrounded by his loving family. He was born August 26, 1938 to the late Mike and Alice (Bootz) Kettner in Unity, WI. His young childhood was spent growing up in the Town of Texas along the Trapp River.

He graduated from Wausau High School and went on to do some dairy farming along with his lifetime job as a logger.

He married Susanne Weinkauf on April 14, 1959. Although the couple later divorced, they lovingly shared 4 children together. His family was complete when he met his current wife Delores (Widder) Kettner. He gained a stepson, and the couple welcomed another son.

His love for logging started at a young age while helping his grandfather in the woods. Elmer logged for almost everyone in the Town of Texas and many counties in Wisconsin. His passion for logging and hard work was passed down to his sons, who very proudly followed in his footsteps. He taught them to be good woodsmen and stewards of the woods. Being involved in church at an early age, he later considered the woods his church.

Elmer taught his kids to hunt and fish and instilled a great love for the outdoors in his family. The family often accompanied him in the woods on his logging jobs. Almost every weekend was spent fishing on many streams and lakes, after stopping for a hearty breakfast and a cup of coffee. As a loving and caring person, he always enjoyed sharing memories of earlier years.

Elmer had a great love for music, teaching himself to play the guitar and accordion. He was asked frequently to sing and play at local establishments, where he was often told he looked like Elvis. He played and sang a lot of Johnny Cash’s music as well.

In his later years, Elmer enjoyed watching westerns and listening and dancing with Delores to Mexican accordion music and old country music. He was always up for a trip to the casino and was usually quite lucky. Visits with his great-grandchildren also brought him much joy.

Elmer is survived by his wife Delores M Kettner (Widder), Antigo, children Vicki (Doug) Bootz, Wausau, Elmer Jr “Rusty” (Brenda) Kettner, Wausau, Velvet (Michael) Kouba, Tomahawk, Jess (Sarah) Kettner, Antigo, step-son James (Kari) Widder, Appleton. Grandchildren Dan Bootz, Wausau, Heather (Jerrel) Fenhaus, Wausau, Tylor (Dani) Fenhaus, Seattle, Shannon (Kevin) Georgeson, Merrill, Angela (Mike) Cypert-Kettner, Juneau, Jordan Widder, Florida, Josh (Cassie) Kettner, Wausau, Alicia Laycock, Antigo, Max (Kate) Fenhaus, Wausau. Great-grandchildren, Sophia, Cora, and Liam. Siblings Lois Smith, Wausau, Donald (Shirley) Kettner, Wausau, Edward Kettner, Wausau, Judy Rhyner, Kronenwetter, and Darlene (Paul) Habeck, Wausau. Further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Preceded in death by son Jesse Kettner, brother Harvey Kettner, niece Mary Kettner, brother-in-law Dennis Rhyner, sister-in-law Kay Kettner, and brother-in-law Wayne Ullenbrauck.

A memorial service for Elmer will be held on Friday May 12th, 2023 at 5:00 pm at Strasser-Roller Funeral Home, 504 Edison Street, Antigo. Visitation will be held from 3:00 pm until time of service. The family would like to thank Morgan and Nancy from LeRoyer Hospice for assisting the family at this difficult time.