Gilbert "Gil" Kettner

Gilbert Kettner Jr., 77 of Hazelhurst, WI passed away suddenly on Saturday May 13, 2023.  Gilbert was born July 21, 1945, to Laura and Gilbert Kettner in Tomahawk, WI. Gilbert attended Lakeland Union High School in Minocqua, Wi where he graduated in 1963. 

In high school Gilbert participated in wrestling and football. In addition, he was a member of Min-Aqua Bats Water Ski Club; in which he performed in ski shows and skied competitively across the Midwest in many tournaments. The paramount moment in his ski career was winning the 1963 Wisconsin Men’s Ski Jumping title.

Following high school Gil, as many close friends and family would call him went on to work in the Kettner family sawmill and logging business. He spent many years in the business and later in life worked for Dick Fuhrman & Son Bulldozing and Excavating until retiring full-time several years ago.

Gilbert loved spending time in the outdoors hunting, fishing and riding snowmobiles and ATVs.   In addition, Gilbert served on the Hazelhurst town board for over 30 years. Gilbert also loved to watch the Packers, Brewers and Bucks and play cards, especially with family and friends. Gil was known for kindness and his willingness to help others. His smile and love for life will never be forgotten.

He is survived by and will be missed dearly by his wife of 58 years, Sheila, his son Kurt (Angela), grandchildren Austen, Alyssa (Jon) Kettner Foss. Son Chris, grandchildren Kaylee Kettner, Suzanne Burgess, sister Betty Jean Junek, nephew Rick, niece Laurie Figueroa (Rudis), nephew Bill Rudis. He is proceeded in death by his parents, Gilbert and Laura Kettner, sister Barbara and granddaughter Amara Kettner.

A celebration of Gil’s life will be held on Saturday May 20^th from 12:00pm to 3:00pm at Nimsgern Funeral Home Chapel. Food and refreshments will be served during the celebration.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider a donation in Gil’s memory to The Hazelhurst Volunteer Fire Department.

Online condolences may be shared at nimsgernfuneral.com

NIMSGERN FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES IS SERVING THE FAMILY.