Ishpeming- Ronald G. Ketchem, age 84, longtime Ishpeming resident, passed away on Monday February 21, 2022 at UP Health System Bell while in the loving care of his family and hospital staff.

Ron was born in Capac, MI on November 21, 1937, son of the late Laverne and Evelyn (Boettcher) Ketchum. He attended National Mine Schools before joining and serving the country in the United States Army from 1957 until his honorable discharge in 1960. He worked as an electrician for Cliffs at the Republic mine, the Brownstone Shops, and the Empire Mine where he spent his final year before retiring in 1997. Ron married his wife of 59 years on September 1 ^st , 1962.

Ron was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Ishpeming Fire Department for over 25 years, the Wawonowin Country Club, the Ishpeming Elks, and the Ishpeming Cribbage League. He enjoyed golfing, playing cribbage, hunting, going to camp, was an avid Packer and Hematite fan where he went to all of the basketball and football games, but most of all his greatest joy was spending time with his family.

Ron is survived by his wife- Mary (Sullivan) Ketchem, 3 children- Peter (Jamie) Ketchem of New Albnay, IN, Patty (Greg) Anderson of Manistique, MI, Jim (Carrie) Ketchem of Horicon, WI, 7 grandchildren- Ryan (Lance) Langem, Jason (Chris Robinson) Ketchem, Erin, Mitch, and Alex Anderson, Bethany (Daniel) Hickox-Young, Jordan (Miranda Vossekuil) Ketchem, along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother and sister-in-law- Donald and Lynn Ketchem, and nephew Timothy Ketchem.

Ron's family will greet relatives and friends at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ishpeming on Saturday February 26, 2022 from 11:00am until 12:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00pm with Fr. Ryan Ford celebrating. There will be a fireman's service prior to Mass and military honors accorded by the United States Army UP Honor Team. A luncheon will follow the Mass in the St. Joseph Church Hall.

Ron's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.