Robert "Bob" J. Kettels, 80, was a farmer and worked for AEP
Robert "Bob" J. Kettels, 80, passed away on November 13, 2026, at Blanchard Valley Hospital, Findlay. Bob was born October 2, 1946, in Lima, Ohio, to Sylvester and Agnes (Schwertner) Kettels, who preceded him in death. On October 17, 1970, he married Diane Pohlman Kettels, who survives.
Bob graduated from Miller City High School. He worked as a lineman and later as a dispatcher for American Electric Power, retiring after 33 years; Bob was also a farmer. Bob was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Bluffton and enjoyed hunting, cooking and fishing and was an avid sports fan, especially for the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Survivors include his wife, Diane Kettels of Rawson; two sons, Rodney (Stephanie) Kettels of Jenera and Trent (Kelli) Kettels of Greenville, South Carolina; nine grandchildren, Alyson (Andrew Iacobelli) Kettels, Abygail Kettels, Jacob and Nathaniel Kettels and Owen, Eric, Joel, Ava and Sydney Bode; a brother, Kevin (Marietta) Kettels of Continental, Ohio; a sister, Janet (Paul) Duling of Ottawa; two sisters-in-law, Irene (Daniel) Klausing of Venedocia, Ohio and Rebecca (David) Rott of Lima and a brother-in-law, Tom (Sherry) Pohlman of Sunfish, Kentucky.
Bob was preceded in death by a brother, Kenneth Kettels; a sister and brother-in-law, Carol (William) Ruck; an infant sister, Sharon Kettels; a sister-in-law, Patricia Vonderwell; and three brothers-in-law, Daniel Pohlman, Michael Pohlman, and Timothy Pohlman.
A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Bluffton, with Father Kyle Gase officiating. Burial will be at Maple Grove Cemetery following the service. There will be no visitation.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or the COPD Foundation.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.
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