Gerald Bernard Ketelaar, Sr., 72, of East Moline, passed away on August 31, 2016 at his home after a long and courageous battle with Renal Amyloidosis. Funeral services will be 11am, Wednesday, September 7, 2016 at Van Hoe Funeral Home, 1500 6th St. East Moline. Service will be conducted by Pastor Randy Willers of Salem Lutheran Church in Moline. Visitation will be 3-7pm Tuesday at the funeral home. Private burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Davenport. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established. Jerry was born February 23, 1944 in Davenport, the son of Bernard and Nancy (Kruse) Ketelaar. He was a graduate of Assumption High School and St. Ambrose University, Davenport. He married Diane O'Leary in 1966 in Davenport. He later married Susan G. (Wynn) Schneekloth on June 1, 1984 in Kewanee, IL. Jerry retired in 1997 from Deere & Company after 31 years of service. He recently was a realtor for Cornelius - Simpson Century 21. Jerry was a member of Silvis Optimist Club, Exchange Club of the QC and East Moline-Silvis Soccer Club. He enjoyed NASCAR and was an avid St. Louis Cardinal Fan. He enjoyed gardening, including flowers, traveling and loved spending time with his family. Survivors include his wife, Sue; children, Christine Ketelaar, Johnson City, TN, Tom Ketelaar (Dana Munson), Rock Island, Gerald "Chip" Jr. (Tracy) Ketelaar, Dunlap, IL, Amy (Eric) Nesbitt, Rock Island and Christopher Schneekloth (Emily Carle), East Moline; grandchildren, Elizabeth and Gretchen Wales, Joseph and Elizabeth Ketelaar, Jackson and William Ketelaar, Hunter and Morgan Nesbitt, Madisen Schneekloth and another one due this December; brothers, Thomas, San Diego, CA, Stephen (Ann), Port Orange, FL, Daniel (Carolee), McMurray, PA, Matthew (Diane), Davenport and Anthony (Ellie), Naperville, IL; sister-in-law, Connie Ketelaar, Davenport; brother-in-law, Greg Wynn, Moline and 12 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Bernard "Bernie" Ketelaar, Jr. and in- laws, Andy and Mae Anderson. The family would like to give a special thanks to Dayleen, TA, Liz and Angie with Beacon of Hope Hospice for all the tender loving care they gave Jerry over the last two years. Also, a warm thank you to Howard for his years of friendship and help.

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Wednesday, September 7, 2016 11:00 AM

Van Hoe Funeral Home and Crematory 1500 Sixth Street East Moline, Illinois 61244