Welcome to our CaringBridge site. We've created it to keep our family and friends updated as Dan continues on this journey. We appreciate your support and words of hope during this time when it matters most.
Dan Ketcham. If you're from Lennox, SD or any of the surrounding areas, you probably know him. He's been a dedicated husband and father, raising six children with his wife, Karen, in Lennox for thirty-some odd years. In that time, he's been serving his community and his faith.
You may remember Dan from his time as an officer and Chief of Police in Lennox. Those were fun times for us as kids - riding around in a cop car with lights, sirens, and radios! It. Was. FUN! Plus, we learned how to talk on the radios and walkie-talkies, which is a completely underrated life skill, over. Our mother probably didn’t think it was quite as fun, rather a bit worrisome. Dan also served his community as a volunteer EMT for the Lennox Area Ambulance squad for many years. Not only was he protecting lives, he was saving them. Always willing to answer the call for help, no matter who was asking.
After his time on the force, he owned and operated his own painting business for many years. For some of us children, that created the opportunity for our very first ventures into the working world. We learned about hard work, discipline, and the sense of accomplishment after a job well done. We learned a lot of lessons from him, and we continue to learn from him even as adults.
In recent years, he’s taken on a new role in environmental services with The Good Samaritan Society in, you guessed it, Lennox. We can’t get him away! Unless it’s to head out to the river or lake for fishing - ice or regular. This is a career he thrives in. He’s the handiest of handy-guys, our own Mr. Fix-it of the family. But more so than being handy, he gets to interact with the residents, which is the best part of his day if you ask him. He absolutely lights up when telling us stories about his daily interactions, jokes, and general shenanigans with the residents. Putting a smile on someone else’s face, is what puts one on his.
Dan has also served his community and his church as council members for both. He is nothing, if not a servant of people. He’s also known to deliver meals with the Meals-On-Wheels program to those in need. Whatever can get him out with people, talking and sharing anecdotes and ideas, he’s game for. It’s simply his nature. He’s always happiest when helping others, and if he gets to work with his hands - even better.
And this, ALL of this, has brought us to today. A loving husband. A dedicated father and grandpa. A caring brother and uncle to many. He’s your coworker, your neighbor, and your helping hand. He’s the guy who shoots the bull with you at the gas station and hardware store. And right now, he needs all our prayers, support, and encouragement.
This year's Superbowl Sunday was the start of a new chapter in our family's story. After a scary few-day's stay at the hospital, our dad/husband/grandpa/brother/uncle/son/neighbor/friend and hero was diagnosed with stage 3 esophageal cancer. Our lives were changed forever with that one word. Cancer. But, he is strong and we've all pulled together to cheer him on in this courageous fight! With the support of family, friends, co-workers, an amazing medical team, and even strangers, we have hope for the future!
He is just starting down this new path. A path with a mountain in the middle of it. Our wish for our dad is to focus solely on his health and healing. Dan has lots of plans for the future, and we all intend for him to be around for a LONG time to come. He’s got children, grandchildren, fishing trips, family picnics, bonfires, lazy Sundays spent in the pool, and more weekend getaways with the love of his life to look forward to. And so very much more.
It is difficult to express just how grateful we are to all of you. And when we do express that gratitude, please be prepared for some tears. We’re an emotional lot, and truly can’t thank you enough.
First off, thank you to everyone that has reached out, sent condolences, dropped off food and supplies, and everything in between. We are so grateful for you all and we can feel your love surrounding us.
Visitation will be from 5-7:30pm Monday evening at St. Magdalen’s Catholic Church in Lennox, SD. Funeral services will be at 10:30am Tuesday, December 22nd at St. Magdalen’s Catholic Church, with burial to follow at St. Joseph’s Wellington Cemetery. A light luncheon will be served back at the church after the burial.
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