Keith “Skeeter” Kettner, age 73, of New Ulm passed away Thursday, July 9, 2026 at his home in New Ulm.

Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Ulm. Pastor Timothy Smith will officiate.

Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Ulm.

To leave an online condolence for the family, or to sign the guestbook, please visit: www.mvfh.org.

Skeeter is survived by his wife of over 54 years, Mary Kettner; daughters, Regina (Jeff) Scholten of Mankato, Krista (Chad) Hopp of New Ulm; son, Kory (Renee) Kettner of New Ulm; ten grandchildren, Johanna, Jake, Trent, Anesa, Josie, Isaiah, Kody, Zack, Jase, Wyatt; two great-grandchildren, Toby, Margo; siblings-in-law, Jim (Carol) Leonard, Sue (Paul) Severson, Tom Leonard, Tammejo (Tim) Blaha, Julie Leonard; and many extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Sandra (Edward) Grunst; infant brother, Gary; parents-in-law, Agnes and Kenneth Leonard; sister-in-law, Alisa Leonard; and brothers-in-law, Steve and Dean Leonard.

Keith Frederick Kettner was born August 14, 1952 to Ervin “Tom” and Helen (Krohn) Kettner in Mankato. He graduated from Nicollet High School in 1970, where he met Mary Leonard. Skeeter went on to graduate with a degree in Culinary Arts from South Central College in Mankato. On June 3, 1972, Skeeter was united in marriage to Mary Leonard at Swan Lake Catholic Church. The couple was blessed with three children. Outside of being a husband and father, Skeeter provided for his family by working as a chef. He was an owner and operator of Kettner’s Korner, Skeeter’s Café, and Double K Bar. He also worked at Gustavus Adolphus College and Old Main Village – where he retired. Outside of work, Skeeter was an avid sports fan, especially for the Vikings and watching WWE. He also loved going to his grandchildren’s activities with Mary. Skeeter will be dearly missed by those that knew him. Blessed be his memory.