Elizabeth J. Ketchum

With heartfelt memories and gentle smiles, we honor the life of Elizabeth J. Ketchum, who was born in Wisconsin Rapids, WI on the 4th of July 1945, and who departed this world on February 13th, 2026. Elizabeth was a woman of remarkable character, an ardent traveler, an avid reader, a devoted friend, and a beloved family member. Her life was marked by her love for her family, her church, and her furry companions—her dog, Cupid, and her cats, Sophie, Tonto, and Tilly.

Elizabeth's professional life was equally remarkable. She spent her career as a Systems Analyst in the insurance industry, using her sharp intellect and problem-solving skills to make an impact. But it was after retirement that her life truly blossomed. Elizabeth was a voracious reader, often found with a book in hand. She was an active member of a book club, sharing her love for literature with close friends. Her adventurous spirit led her to explore the United States and abroad, with notable trips to Germany, London, and the Bahamas. Alongside her late husband David, she undertook many memorable motorcycle trips with the WingDingers. Elizabeth and David were also active members of the Disabled American Veterans Organization, contributing significantly to their community.

Rooted in her faith, Elizabeth was a dedicated member of St. John's Episcopal Church, lending her hand in various church activities. Her life is beautifully encapsulated in the verse from the Book of Proverbs 31:25-26, "She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness." Elizabeth is survived by her children, Rebecca Ketchum, Kevin Ketchum, step-children, Erica (Jeff) Johnson, Jeremy Coss, and Ryan (Lisa) Coss; her sisters, Marilyn Henricks and Marge Kaczmarek, Sue Metzinger, and Patricia Hendricks; her grandson, Collin Ketchum; her granddaughter, Amanda (Grant) McDonald; her aunts, Rosie Uher and Ellen Peterson and her nieces and nephews, Jeff Metzinger, Sarah (Mike) Carol, Jessica (Jason) Planer, Jennifer (Kael) Clemmerson, and Hagen (Megan) Kaczmarek and by her Ex-husband Richard Ketchum. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Elizabeth Hendricks, her husband David Coss, several aunts and uncles and by an infant brother.

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 10:00 am CST at St. John the Evangelist Church, 320 Oak Street, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, 54494. The memorial service will follow at 11:00 am CST at the same venue.

In remembering Elizabeth, we invite you to leave your cherished memories and upload photos to her memorial page. Your contributions will help us celebrate her rich life, her love for her family, her community, her pets, and her faith. As we remember Elizabeth, let us find solace in the knowledge that her spirit continues to live among us, in every book she loved, in every journey she undertook, and in every life she touched.