Dorothy Ketelaar

Dorothy Jane Ketelaar, 99, formerly of Kalamazoo, Michigan, beloved wife of the late Richard L. Ketelaar, passed away Monday, August 26, 2024 in Greenville, South Carolina.

Born in Heckton, PA, she was a daughter of the late Walter A. Heckert and Marian A. (Turns) Heckert and graduate of William Penn High School in Harrisburg, PA, class of 1944.

Dorothy was one of the first female Marines accepted by the military branch due to the waging war overseas and growing need for domestic administrative personnel. Dorothy achieved the rank of Sergeant before she was honorably discharged in December of 1947. Her devotion to her country continued as she supported her husband's career in the US Marine Corps until his retirement in 1965.

Richard and 'Dot' married in Arlington, Virginia on July 25, 1947. The couple was blessed with five children and shared 27 years together before his death in 1974.

Mrs. Ketelaar leaves behind four surviving children, Linda Ketelaar, Daniel Ketelaar, James Ketelaar, and Catherine McElhany (David); three grandchildren, Robin Ketelaar, Richard L. Ketelaar, III, Ellena Ketelaar; and a sister, Shirley Marcovici.

Dorothy was well-respected in her life and loved by many.

In addition to her husband, Dorothy was preceded in death by her son, Richard L. Ketelaar, II and two sisters, Betty Miller and Romaine Amsden.

Family and friends will gather on Saturday, September 14, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Downtown.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Military Women's Memorial (womensmemorial.org).

Favorite memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.thomasmcafee.com.