Emzey 'Zeke' Ketchum

97 year old, Emzey ‘Zeke’ Ketchum, of Wheatfield, passed away January 4, 2025.

Zeke was the first born to Juel (Watkins) and Leonard Ketchum, in Salyersville, Kentucky on December 11, 1927. His twin brother, John passed away a few days after their birth. The couple went on to give Emzey 5 more siblings: Louie, Don, Price, Kenny and Garrie. The family moved to Ohio when Emzey was a boy and eventually settled in Tefft, Indiana. He graduated from Tefft High School, class of 1947. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the army. He was sent to Korea to serve his country during the Korean War. He returned home in 1951 to marry his girlfriend Shirley Kerns. They settled in Wheatfield, Indiana, where they would raise 3 children: Cheryl, Mike and Kelly. Zeke would begin a lifelong career as an operating engineer for the Local 150. After a long and difficult illness his beloved wife, Shirley passed away in December of 1981. Zeke was an expert marksman belonging to the local Red Barn Gun Club, of Wheatfield, where he shot competitively winning many awards during his life. He was also a league bowler competing in many bowling tournaments. He was a keen card player. Zeke loved a good joke or a funny story and would laugh until he cried. Which is how we should remember him, laughing. He was loved by many, family and friends, and will be greatly missed.

Zeke is survived by his children: Cheryl Walker, Mike (Vickie) Ketchum, Kelly Ketchum, 5 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.

Zeke was preceded in death by his parents, wife: Shirley, and siblings: Louie, Kenny, Price, Donald, Garrie, and twin brother: John.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m. (CST) on Friday, January 10, 2025, at the Boersma Funeral Home, 90 E. Grove St., Wheatfield, Indiana.

Military Services will take place at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, January 10, 2025 at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Wheatfield American Legion Post #406.