Joan Eileen Ketterer passed away peacefully on June 1, 2017 at the age of 82. Before her death, she would often say that she had seen heaven and it’s beautiful. She was born Joan Eileen Hoar on August 30, 1934, to C. Eileen Kelley and Gerald J. Hoar in Chicago, Illinois. She grew up in South Bend, Indiana on the campus of the University of Notre Dame as her father was a Notre Dame graduate and an engineer in the laundry department. Her talent and passion for singing and musical theatre began early and included playing the lead in South Pacific. Joan received her Registered Nursing (RN) degree from St. Mary’s College in South Bend, Indiana because she wanted to be a stewardess and travel. On August 29, 1955, she married Henry Ketterer and the newlyweds moved to Phoenix, AZ the next day to start Henry’s job of teaching music at St. Mary’s High School. She gave birth to six children and never missed a game or concert. Her love of music allowed her to travel around the world as she had planned. Joan and Henry were active members of the CD Singers with conductor Dan Durand, St. Thomas Choir, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Choir, Phoenix College Concert Choir under the direction of J. Edmund Hughes, McConnell Singers Women’s Choir, starting with Kay Poore, Orpheus Male Chorus of Phoenix, and the Choralaires of Phoenix. Joan and Henry performed in many European countries with the choirs, (Germany, Italy, etc.), but also Russia, Czech Republic, and Australia. Known for her charm and sharp wit, Joan never lost her sense of humor, even during her final days. When recently asked, “How do you feel?” she quickly responded, “With my hands.” Joan will be deeply missed by her surviving family including her brother, Roger Hoar, and her children, Mary Segall (Howard Zipser), Ted Ketterer, Bob Ketterer (Lori), Peter Ketterer, and Eileen Benedict. She is also survived by six grandchildren, Nick Segall, Joanie Faust (Ryan), Kyle Ketterer (Rachel Johnson), Aaron Benedict, Katy Veauux, and Will Ketterer. She had the pleasure of meeting her three great grandchildren, Rex (2 years), Kyle Jr. (1 year), and Bear (6 weeks). She is now joyfully reunited with her husband of 54 years, Henry Ketterer (1926-2010), and her daughter, Kathryn Rose Ketterer (1958-1987). Her parents and brother Gerald also preceded her in death. Visitation will be at 9:30 A.M. with a Rosary at 10:00 A.M. and Funeral Mass at 10:30 A.M., Wednesday, June 7, 2017 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 1954 N. 24th Street. Burial will follow at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 2033 North 48th Street. In lieu of flowers, please continue Joan and Henry’s tradition of donating to St. Vincent de Paul or donate to SunTree Center (602-441-4900), who helped take loving care of Joan for the past four years. Arrangements entrusted to Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home.
Larry Billar
I couldn’t help but remembering Mrs. Ketterer as a second Mom. She kept an eye out for Ted, George and I, which is a good thing. I am deeply saddened to see her depart us in this world, but know she had a strong faith and is back singing in Heaven with Mr. Ketterer and Kathy. I pray for God’s Mercy and Strength for the family during this difficult time. Please know she is in a better place, and we in time will join them there.