Rosemary Ketchum

GLEN HAVEN - Rosemary Ketchum, 90, of Glen Haven, Wisconsin, formerly of Kenosha, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her cherished family. Born on May 26, 1935, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, to William and Esther Martin, Rosemary grew up in Kenosha, where she attended local schools and fell in love with her high school sweetheart, Roland “Hermie” Ketchum. The couple married in 1952 and shared joyful times roller skating in their Kenosha community.

Rosemary and Roland traveled Wisconsin together, supporting Roland’s career as a Boilermaker with Local 107, before settling in Glen Haven in 1968 to raise their seven children. A devoted mother, Rosemary found immense happiness in time spent with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many friends. Her true passion, however, was knitting and crocheting, crafts she mastered with remarkable skill and love. Rosemary’s needles and hooks were always busy, creating a treasure trove of sweaters, scarves, mittens, blankets, and intricate doilies that warmed and comforted her family across generations. Each piece she crafted was a labor of love, often gifted to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who cherished the cozy, handmade creations as symbols of her boundless affection. She delighted in teaching her craft to others while spending the winters in Bullhead City AZ, sharing tips and patterns, and her knitting circle was a hub of laughter and connection. Her vibrant spirit and humor brightened every life she touched, making her a beloved figure in her community.

She is survived by her children: Sue Johll of La Crosse, WI; Lynn Sollien of Mabel, MN; Edward (Elham) Ketchum of Bradenton, FL; and Sherry Ketchum of Glen Haven, WI; as well as fifteen grandchildren, twenty four great-grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren, other relatives, and countless friends.

Rosemary was preceded in death by her husband, Roland; her sons, Robert, William, and Thomas Ketchum; and her grandson, Brandon Ketchum.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Glen Haven, with Father Sudhakar Reddy Devarapu presiding. Burial will follow at Gockel Cemetery in Glen Haven Township, with a luncheon in the church basement afterward. Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory in Lancaster is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Crossing Rivers Health Hospice or St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Glen Haven, honoring Rosemary’s generous spirit.