Richard Ketterling, Adams County's last surviving WWII veteran, passed away at age 94 on September 9, 2020, at WRRMC.

His wife Betty and Richard's Urn burials with Full Military Honors will be Wednesday, October 14 at 1:00 p.m. MT at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, SD.

He was born on a farm near Bison, SD on April 29, 1926, the second of nine children born to Philip and Julia (Krischenowski) Ketterling. Like many of his generation who lived through the Great Depression early life was one of hardship and poverty. The family moved often and at times lived in less than optimal conditions including a sod house.

Upon entering school at age five he was unable to speak English as the family spoke only German at home. This made him a target for bullying and anti-German sentiment. He liked school however and was good at math. In 1944 he graduated from Hettinger High School. His report card reflects that he attended slightly over half the school days that year as he was repeatedly pulled from school to work on the family farm. Missing so much school bothered him all his life as he wanted to attend and also to participate in sports.

In June 1944 he enlisted in the US Army and went to Fort Bragg, NC for basic training. He was chosen for paratrooper training and subsequently received basic and advanced training at Fort Benning, GA. As a member of the 462nd Airborne Artillery he shipped out for the Philippines in early 1945 where his company became part of the force assigned in the Negroes Island campaign. In the course of nine weeks gun crews and infantry cleared the island of Japanese. He told the story of having to camp on the island and eating K-rations every day. Most of his fellow soldiers wouldn't eat the cheese in the rations so they gave it to him and he ate it. "I was the only one who didn't have dysentery" he said. He was a lifelong cheese lover.

Richard was honorably discharged in December 1945 and returned to Hettinger where on New Year's Eve he met the love of his life, Betty Dresden. They married in May of 1946 and over the 74 years of their union had three children and built a modest farm/ ranch operation south of Hettinger, receiving the Adams County Soil Conservation District Farm Achievement ward in 1985. Richard also worked in Hettinger to help support his family and the farm. He worked for the American Legion Club, Lyle's Hardware, Anfinson's, Hersrud's Farm Implement (parts man) and finally as the first Adams County Director of Tax Equalization (1970-1988).

Like most farmers he had many skills when it came to fixing machinery. He enjoyed fixing fence. Some may remember that he also laid linoleum (Catholic Church basement) and carpet (Methodist Church). He farmed and ranched until 1986 when he turned over the operation to his son, Lance. Upon his retirement he helped plant trees with the Soil Conservation Service. He also enjoyed hauling bales and drove grain truck during harvest until his mid-80's.

Throughout his life he was an avid reader and particularly liked to read history. He was a lifelong member of the American Legion, receiving their Distinguished Service award in 1989 and Outstanding Legionnaire award in 1993. He was a master mason, belonged to a bowling league, and tried his hand at leather tooling. Richard and Betty were lifelong members of the United Methodist Church. He will be remembered by his family for his work ethic, frugality, love of the land and commitment to providing for his family.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty (May 2020), his parents, brothers William and Philip Jr.. He is survived by his three children: Diana Ketterling, Salmon, ID, Rhonda Ketterling (David Wells) Fargo and Lance Ketterling (Ellen), Hettinger, four grandchildren: Lindsey Ketterling, Ketchum, ID, Michael Ketterling, Spokane, WA, LaDonna Hieb, San Antonio, TX, Jeanne Saadi, San Marcos, TX , six siblings (Esther, Wesley, Lorraine, Viola, Maybelle, Hilda) and many nephews and nieces.

Memorials will go to the West River Health Foundation.