Carol Diane Kettelkamp

Carol was born on August 23, 1943, at Spencer Municipal Hospital to Faye and Joe White. She grew up in Spencer alongside her brothers, Joe and Tom White, and spent her entire life in the community she loved.

Carol was a proud graduate of Spencer High School and one of her most memorable accomplishments was being selected to play in the Iowa All-State Band in 1960, where she played the contralto clarinet. After high school, she attended Parsons College for three semesters before returning home and beginning her career as a bookkeeper at the Spencer Dairy.

Carol was married on September 8, 1963 to Bill Kettelkamp and together built a life centered on family, friendship, and shared adventures. Carol continued working at the dairy until the birth of their first child, Todd, in May of 1964. She then devoted herself to being a full-time homemaker until their second child, Deb, born in April of 1967, began preschool.

Carol later returned to the workforce, working part-time for Gary Ogburn, a State Farm agent, for 17 years. She then spent 11 years working as a bank teller before retiring in 1999.

Over the years Carol spent time with family and friends going on camping trips, evenings around campfires with friends, bike rides on trails in Iowa and Minnesota, golfing both as a couple and in leagues, and participating in card clubs. She also cherished babysitting their grandchildren, hosting them for extended visits, and traveling to Minnesota to attend sporting events, plays, dance recitals, and other special moments.

A new chapter of life began when Carol and Bill started wintering in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. There, they formed many close friendships and created lasting memories, returning each winter with anticipation and joy, and coming home each spring to their house and friends in Spencer.

Carol was deeply involved in her community. She served on the board for the Little Girls Softball League, played on a women’s softball team for several years, and was an active member of the Spencer Family YMCA since 1973. She participated in volleyball, aerobics, swimming, running, walking, and weightlifting—always valuing health, activity, and connection.

Her faith was an important part of her life. Carol was baptized, confirmed, and married at the First Congregational Church of Spencer. Throughout the years, she served on several boards, participated in Circle and Women’s Fellowship, and played bells in the bell choir.

Above all else, Carol will be remembered for her dedication to family, her strong work ethic, her warmth, and her ability to build lasting friendships wherever she went. She lived with purpose, generosity, and joy, and her legacy lives on through those who loved her.

She is survived by her children, Todd and Deb; her brothers, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many cherished friends and extended family.

As her daughter, I would like to share that Mom spent the last ten years of her life living with Alzheimer’s disease, first at Keelson Harbour and later at St. Luke’s Nursing Home. Our family will always be deeply grateful for the compassionate, respectful, and loving care she received from the staff at both places. It meant everything to her to remain close to her Spencer community, surrounded by familiar faces and lifelong friends, and it brought her comfort and peace to stay where her roots ran deepest.

*In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations to the First Congregational Church in memory of Carol Kettelkamp.