Steven Lee Ketelsen Sr.

Steven Lee Ketelsen Sr., 75, of Washington, died Thursday, June 18, 2026, at St. Luke’s Hospital.

Steve was born February 20, 1951, in Clinton, IA, the son of Patricia (Nave) Alatorre. He was a Clinton High School graduate and was united in marriage to Kathleen Wilden on November 15, 1969, in Teeds Gove, IA.

Steve, known as "Pa" or "Pa Ketel" by family and friends, was a long- haul truck driver, which he and Kathy did together for many years after the kids were raised until retirement.

Pa Ketel enjoyed watching science fiction, especially Star Trek. He loved anything that involved family, traveling, spending time with the grandchildren, to building things with them. Anything that Dad built, Mom would say it could withstand an atomic blast. He was a Jack of all trades around the house, and a walking trivia book. Once retired, he could be found puttering in the yard, tinkering with projects, and keeping busy outdoors.

Survivors include his mother, Patricia, of Moline, IL, brothers Kenney Jurgensen and Joe Alatorre, sister Tammy O‘dell, sons Steven(Kim) Ketelsen Jr. of Clinton IA, Jeffrey (Nina) Ketelsen of Wasilla AK, daughters, Janet Ketelsen of Washingtion, and Jenny(Vincent) Grizzle of Lake Havasa City AZ, 4 uncles, 3 aunts, 7 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife Kathleen and his brother Russell Jurgensen.