Erwin “Erv” J. Kettner, age 93, a resident of Manitowoc, entered eternal life on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at Shady Lane Nursing Care Center.
Erv was born on June 6, 1931 in Manitowoc County to the late Joseph and Marcella (Zeman) Kettner. He graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1949. On January 22, 1955, Erv married Pauline Cichantek in Manitowoc. She preceded him in death on October 16, 1982. For many years, Erv was employed as a carpenter at Schwantes Manufacturing, Bohachek Builders, and Prodrabsky Builders. He was also owner and operator of Erv’s Woodworking Company where he did general carpentry and cabinetry work in the Manitowoc area. Erv was a lifelong member of Melnik Presbyterian Church.
Survivors include Erv’s daughter, Cheryl (Bill) Ploeckelman, Manitowoc; son, Mike Kettner, DePere; grandson, Shawn (Erica) Ploeckelman, Manitowoc; two great grandsons, Isaac and Addison Ploeckelman, Manitowoc; two sisters-in-law, Nancy Howell and Helen Cichantek, both of Manitowoc; special friend, Jane Kuchenbecker, Manitowoc; also nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Erv was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Marcella Kettner; wife, Pauline; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Andrew and Ella Cichantek; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Jeanette (Francis) Leitermann, LaVerne Leitermann, Donald (Yvonne) Cichantek, Robert Cichantek, Patricia (James) Thorison, and David Howell.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church, 502 North 8th Street, Manitowoc. Rev. Dr. Matthew Sauer and Pastor Warren Kraft will concelebrate the funeral service with a private burial to take place at Knollwood Memorial Gardens at a later date. Following the funeral service, a luncheon for family and friends will be held at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center located on the south property of the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home. The family will greet relatives and friends at First Presbyterian Church on Saturday, March 15, 2025 from 9 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials in Erv’s name.
Erv’s family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to the staff of Whitetail Estates for all of the care and friendship they provided Erv over many years.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
