Jeffrey W. Ketzler
October 7, 1956 – December 29, 2023
VISITATION: Monday, January 15th from 10am to 11am at the West Center Chapel, followed by FUNERAL SERVICE at 11am. Memorials are suggested to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ponca Hills, 11120 Calhoun Road, Omaha 68152.
To view a live broadcast of the Service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.
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Jeffrey was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Ketzler, and father, Donovan Ketzler. He is survived by wife, Sue; daughters, Anastasia and Alexis Ketzler; sister, Lynn (Joe) Lucas; brothers, Donovan (Mary Ellen) Ketzler, Jon (Mary) Ketzler; nieces and nephews.
Jeff was born and lived his entire life in Omaha, NE. He was a 1974 graduate of Westside High School and worked from an early age at the family business, The Dehner Boot Co. When his father retired from the business, Jeff became the 4th generation to run the family business.
Jeff married Sue Diedrich on July 28, 1979. During their 44 years of marriage, they were able to travel the country and Europe for both business and vacations. They made many friends and were able to visit them recently on a trip to England.
In 1999, Jeff and Sue welcomed twin girls, Anastasia and Alexis, and he used to joke when people asked what he got his wife for their 20th anniversary, he would say, “twin girls”. He doted on his girls, much to the surprise of friends, allowing them to accumulate numerous pets such as cats, dogs, lizards, frogs, and goats. They had him wrapped around his finger.
Jeff was involved in several local foxhunts including North Hills Hunt, Wabash Hounds in which he was a Master of Foxhounds, and Fort Leavenworth. He had two paint horses, Gizmo, who he truly enjoyed riding, and Monte, who he had a love-hate relationship with. They were two of a kind.
The last 20 years he was involved in our local church, St. John’s Lutheran church in Ponca Hills. He served on the board in different capacities and was an Elder of the church. After Covid he wanted to make sure those at home could continue to watch the services so set up a live Facebook feed and ran the video every Sunday. If nothing else, he took his technology seriously and always worked to make the experience better for those at home.
Jeff was a devoted husband and father and enjoyed spending time with his family. Although he might grumble and complain, he would drive the distance to move his daughters, fix up their home, and enjoyed sharing experiences with them such as Graceland, Washington DC, New York City, the Grand Canyon, and Europe to name just a few of the places we were able to visit as a family. He will be missed more than we can say and have appreciated all the prayers and kind words from friends and family. As one dear friend said, “Ron met him in heaven on his first day, and they are riding to hounds as we speak.”
17 Comments
Angela and I send prayers of comfort and peace for all of Jeff’s family and friends. We were fortunate to have called him a friend and so enjoyed his “wit and wisdom.”
Formerly Katie Fowler. It was always fun to have Jeff and Sue come visit Ft. Leavenworth hunt. Craziness was always involved. I still have my Dehner boots. My condolences to Sue and her family
We will always missed Jeff at the church of St.John’s Lutheran as he put a video for the church to hear the sermons and I did get to see this on my comoputer, when couldn’t go to church. Blessings and love to all
Sue, Anna & Alex, we are so very sorry to hear about Jeff’s passing. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers. Sue Robins & Family
We will certainly miss Jeff . May thoughts and prayers to all of you.
Sue, Anna and Alex – our deepest sympathy and condolences. Mom and I have been sharing stories of our foxhunting adventures with Jeff and remembering his wonderful sense of fun and great love for his family.
When I was sixteen (1986 or 7), I was in Omaha staying in Jeff and Sue’s guestroom. Jeff asked me to pick him up at a car repair place in Omaha in his orange Bronco. He had given me directions, but I passed the location. The center console started ringing and it took me a minute to figure out there was a phone in the vehicle. Jeff always had the latest technology.
Jeff was always encouraging Pony Club kids to join the fox hunt. When we did , he made it a point to come by, welcome us, and ask if we had any questions. The kids were often on off-track thoroughbreds that could be moderately unruly at times. Jeff would say, “There are many rules in fox hunting. We try to follow them, but if you can’t, you can’t. Rules are made to be broken anyway”..
Sue – May you find COMFORT in the Ponca Pony Club memories you shared.
Sue , Ann & Alex you are indeed in my prayers and thoughts, Jeff was indeed a generous and kind friend but most of all a great husband and father who always put his family first.
Sue, Alex, & Anna – you three are all I have been thinking about this past week. You have such a beautiful angel looking down on you. May God rest Jeff and help guide you guys through this next part in life.
Sue so sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing he was a good man our condolences.
Pony Clubbers looked forward to Jeff’s annual fundraising event where his company, Dehner Boots, would donate a truck load of boots that were oddly sized (big foot, tiny calf, etc.). If the fit was close, Jeff would alter the boots with a gruff, “Now don’t tell anybody I’m giving this away” statement. His never-ending support of the Omaha based Ponca Pony Club was invaluable.. Many horse loving youth were able to live their dream, partly due to Jeff’s involvement. We cherish the special memories!
Upon hearing of Jeff’s death, my eyes welled with tears for his loss. He was an amazing person on all fronts-husband, father, uncle, friend,businessman. So talented as he carried on his family business. My sympathies to Sue, Anatasia, Alex and Ketzler family. He will be missed.
Sue and family – So sorry for your loss. Jeff was a huge part of my life for many years. Best man at my wedding. I regret we lost touch over the years. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jeff was a friend for many years; I was really surprised and sorry to hear of his passing. I still have my Dehner boots and a Dehner bowling glove he made just for me with my initials in leather. I have a lot of good memories of things we all did together as friends. Sue; Our thoughts & prayers go out to you and your family. Nate & Kathy Beber
Thinking of you, Sue, Ana and Alex. Jeff was so proud of you girls. We will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
We send our love and prayers to you all. Jeff was a delightful person who brightened our lives and the lives of many others. We will remember him and his family in our prayers.
It was a beautiful service. Alex & Izzy spoke amazing..And the church lady gave me a chuckle. My thoughts & prayers are with you today…love you
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