Raymond Kettler

Raymond Lester Kettler, age 87, of rural Paola, Kansas, died July 21, 2016 at the Richmond Healthcare Center, Richmond, Kansas. Raymond was born on the family farm on June 30, 1929, the youngest of three sons born to Fred and Minnie (Wilhelmina) Monthey Kettler. He grew up in the Block Community and attended parochial school at Trinity Lutheran School. He graduated from Paola High School with the class of 1947. After high school, Raymond worked for about a year in Ft. Scott, Kansas and then returned to farming. He enjoyed his life as a farmer. He preferred John Deere tractors and operated a model 530 for about 50 years in working his farm crops of soybeans, corn, and hay. Raymond kept a very tidy farmstead, and he dearly loved his various farm dogs. He also raised cattle on the family farm. One time Raymond caught a calf for his young great-nephew to pet since he was a city boy and had never felt its soft fur, even though the mother cow was standing nearby and nervous. Raymond was an avid gardener and raised beautiful produce for himself to can and to share. He was an excellent baker, specializing in fruit pies and apple cake. He was well known in the local community to welcome new residents with something from his oven. Raymond was a lifelong member of the Block Trinity Lutheran Church and was confirmed with his 8th grade class in 1943. He was preceded in death by his parents and his oldest brother, Allen Kettler. He is survived by his brother, Damon Kettler, of St. Louis, Missouri, many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Contributions in memory of Raymond may be made to Block Trinity Lutheran Church or Lutheran Hour, in care of Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, 605 O"Neal Avenue, Osawatomie, Kansas 66064. To leave a special message for Raymond's family, please go to the "Share Memories" area below. Block Trinity Lutheran Church, 34868 Block Rd., Paola, KS 66071 Service: Thursday, July 28, 2016 at 10:30 AM Visitation: Thursday, July 28, 2016 from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM