Obituary: William C. Kettman

LOCKPORT, IL — William "Bill" C. Kettman, age 84, late of Joliet passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on May 20, at Sunny Hill Nursing Home of Joliet. Born and raised in Lockport and a resident of Joliet for the past 63 years.

He graduated from St. Joseph Catholic Grade School in Lockport in 1953 and Lockport Township High School in 1957. Retired from Argonne National Laboratory in 2002 after 45 years of dedicated service. Before going to work at Argonne every morning, he worked at his family’s bakery, Lockport Bakery, before it closed in 1972.

Member of St. Mary Magdalene Church, Joliet. Former member of the Lockport Civic League Bowling and Braidwood Recreation Club where he and his family spent many weekends camping, swimming, and fishing. Bill’s greatest passion was attending his grandchildren’s extracurricular activities where he was always their biggest fan. He loved spending winters with his wife Pat at their home in Sarasota, Florida. Bill loved golfing, working in the yard and bowling, but above all
else spending time with his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Preceded in death by his beloved parents, Clarence and Julia (nee Cafferty) Kettman; his in-laws, Louis and Rose (nee Talarico) Fondriest; his sister-in-law, Joyce O’Neil and her husband Patrick J. O’Neil.

Survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Patricia (nee Fondriest) Kettman; three devoted children, William (Diane) Kettman of Shorewood , Debbie (John) Cicero of Joliet, and Scott (Collette) Kettman of Shorewood; seven cherished grandchildren, Timothy and Steven Kettman (Sarah Riola), Alyssa (fiancé Nick Burton) Cicero, Michael Cicero, Nicholas (Lupita Rivas) Kettman, Elizabeth (Eric) Martin, and Jillian Kettman; one cherished great grandson, Ryan Kettman; treasured niece and nephew, Kimberly (Ed) Golob, and Patrick (Jennifer) O’Neil, and many other loved family members and dear friends, especially Bob and Barb Salbego and Tony (late wife Barb) Pappas.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Friends of Sunny Hill, St. Mary Magdalene Church, or Lightways Hospice in Bill’s name would be greatly appreciated. The Kettman family would like to thank from the bottom of their hearts the entire staff at Sunny Hill Nursing Home for their exceptional care over the past several years, especially the staff of 1st Ave and the activity staff.

Visitation in the O’Neil Funeral Home Chapel, 1105 E. Ninth St. Lockport, on May 24 from 4 to 8 p.m.

Prayers will be held on May 25, in the O’Neil Funeral Home Chapel, at 9:30 a.m. to St. Mary Magdalene Church, Joliet for Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Per Bill’s wishes, following Mass Cremation Rites will be respectfully addressed.

Family and friends can sign the online guestbook at www.oneilfuneralhome.com