Barbara Jean Ketterer

Barabara Jean Ketterer, 82, of Sanford, FL passed away after a short battle with cancer on June 21, 2025, at home, surrounded by family.

Barb was born in Madison, Wisconsin on January 28, 1943 to Henry and Minnie (Waldschmidt) Vetter. After high school, Barb attended the University of Wisconsin for a year and then transferred to Madison Vocational School where she received her LPN in 1964. She attended the New Tribes Mission (now Ethnos 360) Bible School and felt God calling her to foreign missions. While in missionary training, she met George Ketterer, a widower with two young boys. They were married on January 25, 1969. Two years later the family moved to Manaus, Brasil, where they served in a variety of capacities for 32 years.

Barb put her all into everything she did, whether it was building a covered wagon and making the coordinating costume for a history lesson on pioneer days in the middle of the Amazon jungle or preparing a meal for guests or finding the perfect recipient for an item she no longer needed. Even more she was known for her love for Jesus, her unwavering trust in her Heavenly Father and her unshakeable belief that prayer makes a difference. She knew nothing surprised Him and readily left it all in God’s hands. She loved and spoke often of her friends, both missionary and lay and playing the piano was often the highlight of her days and weeks, whether for churches and Bible Studies or just for her personal practice and enjoyment.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents, husband George, son Dan and daughter Kimberly. She is survived by her brother Bob, sister Charlotte, sons Mike (Mary) and John (Mariah), daughter-in-law Faith and son-in-law Jeff Minnich; as well as her grandchildren: Brian, Elle, Keith, Nathan, Brandt, Karen, Ryan, Jonathan, Johanna, David, Joelle, Tyler, Weston, Morgan, Jaxon, Clayton, Ellie and (soon to arrive) Emmelyn; and great grandchildren: Adora and Idyllia.

The family would like to express our deep gratitude to the staff and friends at The Homes at Ethnos 360 as well as the Hospice staff. So many of you went above and beyond in caring for her and the whole fami­ly. Thank you! May God Bless you!

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate any gifts to The Homes at Ethnos 360.  Homes at Ethnos 360