SGT. Brandon M. Ketchum
SGT. Brandon M. Ketchum
SGT. Brandon Michael Ketchum, age 33 of Davenport, Iowa lost his battle with PTSD on Friday, July 8, 2016. Brandon, son of the late William Ketchum and Beverly Ertz was born Oct. 18, 1982 at Darnell Army Community Hospital in Killeen, Texas. He was a graduate of Wisconsin Dells High School, Class of 2001. At the age of 21 Brandon enlisted in the United State Marine Corps and proudly served from 2004-2008 as a combat engineer, serving two tours in Iraq. In July of 2008 he joined the Army as a combat engineer and in 2010 he was deployed to Afghanistan with the Iowa National Guard. After being injured in the line of duty and enduring multiple surgeries he was honorably discharged. He had great enthusiasm for the armed forces and was known for being a man that would drop everything to support his fellow brothers and sisters or anyone in need. His true loves of his life were his daughter, Layla and soulmate, Kristine. Brandon and Layla had a special bond that will be remembered. After his time in the military Brandon took up the hobby of woodworking and excelled in his craft by making beautiful butcher blocks, cutting boards and shadow boxes for fellow military friends and family. He was proud of his skill and took great time to master the art. Family and friends will forever remember Brandon's unique sense of humor and ability to bring laughter and happiness to anyone he came in contact with. He was a likable person that was able to make friends where ever he went. Survivors include his daughter, Layla; mother, Bev (Lenny) Kittoe; brother, Brad (Ana) Ketchum; soulmate, Kristine Nichols; grandparents, Albert (Phyllis) Ertz and Rosemary Ketchum; special friend, Jim Pederson, many cousins, aunts, uncles, other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his father, William Ketchum; great-grandmother, Mildred Ertz; grandfathers, Roland Ketchum and Merlin Kittoe; uncles, Tom Ertz and Rollo Ketchum; aunt, Betsy Kittoe; cousin, Stacy Brown as well as countless brothers in arms. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 14, 2016 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 535 Congress St., Bloomington, WI with Father John Meinholz officiating. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 13, 2016 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the church as well as from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Thursday. Burial will follow at Gockel Cemetery where military rites will be conducted. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to go towards a trust fund for Layla. The Redlin Funeral Home, 401 Madison Ave., Baraboo, WI 53913 is assisting the family.