Monday, November 3rd, 2025
John Edward Kettler
John Edward Kettler, age 85, of Clayton, Ohio, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2025.
He was born on May 30, 1940, in Celina, Ohio, to the late Herbert and Geraldine (Hemmert) Kettler. John was a graduate of Coldwater High School, class of 1958. He continued his education at Miami-Jacobs School of Business, later serving in the Army Reserves. Throughout his life, John was committed to both his professional and personal community, always striving to make a positive impact wherever he went.
John had a long and successful career, beginning in banking before becoming president of the Yellow Cab Company of Dayton. He was a highly respected business leader, and his dedication to serving others extended far beyond his professional life.
John was deeply involved in his faith and community. He was an active member of Precious Blood Catholic Church, where he served on the finance committee. He also contributed his time and energy to the United Way Board of Directors, was honored as Volunteer of the Year for the North Community Branch of the YMCA, proudly served as president of the Optimist Club and was the proud recipient of the Northmont Education Foundations Roll of Recognition.
John is survived by his beloved wife of 39 years, Christine (Schneider) Kettler, two children, Todd (Julie) Kettler of Kettering and Ann (Bob-deceased) Kisela of Lebanon; and four stepchildren, Tim (Christina) Slentz of San Diego, Megan (Tony) Strickland of Las Vegas, Tom (deceased) (Heather) Slentz of Englewood, and Molly (Todd) Broering of St. Henry. He was also a proud grandfather of 22 grandchildren: Sabrina Sullivan, Brandon Kettler, Phoebe Kettler, Chloe Kisela, Gabby Slentz, Grayson Slentz, Matt Slentz, Alexandra Strickland, Ella Strickland, Tyler Link, Connor Slentz, Linley Slentz, Rebecca Broering, Eli Broering, Kathryn Broering, Abigail Broering, Hannah Broering, Brad Mays, Amanda Klein, Melanie Duckworth, Megan McKarns and Joe McKarns, foster son: Tim (Rita) Mays and special friends: Lee and Joy McKarns. John's legacy will be remembered for his love of family, his commitment to his community, and his unwavering faith.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, November 7, 2025, at Precious Blood Catholic Church (4961 Salem Ave.). Interment will follow the Mass at St. Elizabeth Cemetery in Coldwater, Ohio.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Kindred Funeral Home (400 Union Blvd., Englewood).
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Humane Society of Greater Dayton Adoption Center. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.KindredFuneralHome.com.
