Ronald Lyle Fettkether, 74, of Mount Vernon, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family after a courageous battle with cancer June 10, 2023.
Visitation: 4-7 p.m. Thursday, June 15, 2023, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Mount Vernon, preceded by a Rosary at 3:30 p.m. Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 16, 2023, at the church. Burial will follow at Mount Vernon Memorial Cemetery. Arrangements are with Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Mount Vernon.
Ron was born in Oelwein, March 1, 1949, son of Edward and Marie (Wellner) Fettkether. Ron graduated from Oelwein High School in 1967. Ron enlisted into the United States Army Reserves, Oct. 15, 1970, and was honorably discharged, Jan. 31, 1975. While in the Army, Ron was trained as a construction and utilities worker and received several marksmen medals for his excellent shooting.
On Sept. 10, 1977, Ron was united in marriage with Lorri Pattison at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oelwein. Ron and Lorri purchased a farm near Volga, and this is where their two children, Vicki and Lisa, were born. Later Ron and Lorri purchased a farm near Mount Vernon, and here they raised their children and farmed together for 35 years. Ron was a true handy-man — an electrician, woodworker, mason, welder, dirt work and construction — if it needed building or fixing Ron was able to complete it to perfection. Ron truly enjoyed his family, traveling, collecting, the thrill of the hunt from shark teeth to garage sale treasures, building things, and taking care of his family, his livestock, and his farm.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 45 years, Lorri; two daughters and their spouses, Vicki (Albert) Martin of Springville and Lisa (Aaron) Schwiebert of Mount Vernon; six grandchildren, Preston, Paige and Parker Martin and Libby, Asher and Calen Schwiebert; father-in-law and mother-in-law, James and Joyce Pattison; siblings, Marie Hillman, Genevieve (Paul) Breitbach, Roger (Martha) Fettkether, Vincent (Pauline) Fettkether, Edward (Mary Jo) Fettkether, Lawrence (Kathy) Fettkether and George (Dawn) Fettkether; four brothers-in-law, Bruce (Polly) Pattison, Brad (Diane) Pattison, Ben (Robin) Pattison and Brian (Lori) Pattison; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Ron is preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Richard Hillman; and nephew, Eddie Fettkether.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.
Please share your support and memories with Ron’s family on his Tribute Wall at www.stewartbaxter.com under Obituaries.