KETTNER: Benjamin Kettner passed away peacefully on Monday, December 22, 2003 at his residence, Central Park Lodge, at the age of 91 years. He was born on October 23, 1912 at Camper, Manitoba. Ben was the 3rd youngest of 13 children born to Gottfried and Emma Kettner. He attended schools at Moosehorn, Amaranth and Lacombe, AB. He married Bernice Ramsay on November 15, 1942. They made their home in Winnipeg until 1945 when they moved to the Tarbolton District where they farmed for 43 years. Ben's interest in farming continued even after his retirement as he helped his son, take over the family farm. After Bernice's death in 1994, Ben felt very lonely without his loving wife of 52 years. In October of 2000 he moved to Princess Towers in Brandon. He appreciated the kindness of neighbours there, but after having heart surgery at the age of 90 years, he moved to Central Park Lodge where he resided until his passing. Starting at the age of 10, Ben developed a habit of reading the Bible through on a yearly basis. These daily Bible readings brought him into a close relationship with his Creator. Ben served for number of years as Elder of the Brandon Seventh Day Adventist Church. His concern for others was demonstrated by his 30 years of soliciting funds for a famine and disaster relief agency (ADRA). Ben loved his neighbours and the community in which he lived. He served as a trustee on the Bradwardine School Board and secretary of the local elevator board from 1960 to 1976. In his later years he took up knitting and made many beautiful sweaters and afghans. Ben leaves to mourn his passing: daughter, Laurene (Roger) Moren of Abbotsford, BC; son, Elwin (Elaine) Kettner of Bradwardine, MB; four grandchildren, Laura (Don), Vince, Dustin, and Brad; two great granddaughters, Taylor and Camille. He is also survived by: his brother, Leonard (Olga) Kettner of Salmon Arm, BC; sister-in-law Lillian Ramsay of Boise, Idaho; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, including John (Lucille), Jim (Debbie), and Robert who played an important role in his life. The Funeral Service will be held at Memories Chapel, 330-18th Street N. on Monday, December 29, 2003 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Tarbolton Cemetery, beside his wife, Bernice and infant son, Lorne, awaiting the call of the Lifegiver on the Resurrection Morning. Flowers are gratefully declined. Friends who wish may make a donation in memory of Ben to ADRA, 1004 Victoria Avenue, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0L8. The family would like to thank the staff of Central Park Lodge for the loving care Dad received in the past year. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to memorieschapel@mts.net. Arrangements are with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330. Memorials
ADRA