Jesse M. Kettner, age 38, passed unexpectedly in his sleep at his home in Merrimac on Sunday, Mar. 15, 2026.  He was born in Madison to Chris Kettner and Cheryl Hankel.  Jesse attended Wisconsin Heights schools growing up in Mazomanie.  He went to work for R & R Donnelly in Baraboo as a Press Operator where he worked for over 10 years and moving on to Seneca Foods in Baraboo.  While working for Seneca he became a vital part of the daily production, fixing and maintaining the line and kept the things moving.  Jesse also helped out and worked alongside of his dad, in the family's restaurant and catering business.  On his days off from Seneca he drove am and pm bus routes for the Sauk Prairie School district for Lamers Bus.  He loved the outdoors, hunting in his younger years, fishing, time spent boating on the lake and going to the cabin with his dad.  Jesse enjoyed build things and tinkering on projects.  Most of all he loved to see and spend time with his kids; often times his kids waiting at the door for dad to come home.

He is survived by his longtime partner and love of his life, Rebecca; and his six children, Kaylee, Avery, Weston, Freya, Maisie, and Nora; his dad, Chris (Paula) Kettner and his mom, Cheryl (Dan Hvizdak) Hankel; brother, Kyle (Kimber) Kettner and their daughter, Mya; sister, Ericka (Justin) Kurth and their children, Wren, Grant and Ruby; and paternal grandmother, Marlene Kettner.  Jesse is further survived by other relative and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Thomas Kettner; and maternal grandparents, Charles and Ruth Hankel; and uncle, Brian Kettner.

A memorial service for Jesse will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Hooverson Funeral Home, 702 Emily Road, Mazomanie.  A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, Jesse's family asks to please consider a memorial for Jesse's children.

Online condolences may be made at hooversonfuneralhomes.com