Michael Ketcham

Michael Ketcham, 72, of Marshalltown, passed away peacefully Feb. 24, 2023, at the Iowa Veterans Home. Per his wishes cremation rites have been accorded and a Celebration of Life Benefit and Jam is planned 2-5 p.m. March 25 at the Eagles Club in Creston.

Michael Kent Ketcham was born June 5, 1950, to Harry and Marjorie (Millsap) Ketcham. He was one of three children. Michael grew up in Osceola. He attended Clarke Community schools through 11th grade. He graduated from Creston High School and went on to attend SWCC and later Iowa State University where he received his bachelor’s degree in accounting. Michael proudly served his country in the United States Air Force.

Michael was united in marriage to his first wife, Sharon French in 1971. They later divorced. He married his second wife, Janice Hayes who has a daughter, Niki. They later divorced. On April 10, 2010, Michael was united in marriage to the love of his life Tracey (Dormady) in Creston at the First Christian Church.

Over many years, Michael was involved with music through and through. He was involved with many bands, the most memorable being Magic, Big Al’s Blues Busters and Captain Chaos. He worked at Moore Music, which later became Rieman Music, where he was a manager for many years.

In his free time, he loved to dabble in photography. A frog picture won an honorable mention award from Iowa State Fair. Mike was awarded the National Veterans Arts and Music Inspiration Award after competing in and winning a nationwide veterans talent competition. He loved to go for rides on his Harley and hosted his own radio show, “Daddy’s Doghouse,” for four and a half years. Mike never met a stranger.

Those left cherish his memory are his wife of 12 years, Tracey-Dormady Ketcham; stepchildren: Taylor Monthei, Wade Monthei and Billy (Sally) Blish; stepgrandchildren: Owen Monthei, Vinnie Blish, Florence Blish, Levi Dalton and Jaden Pederson; siblings: Kirk (Sherry) Ketcham of Johnstown, Colorado, and Martha Cox of Osceola; nieces and nephews: Matthew Ketcham of Arvada, Colorado, and Meghan Ketcham of Lafayette, Colorado. Marianne (Chad) Hellums of Norwalk, Christina (David) Ayers of Creston and Abigail (Michael) Hostettler of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; great-nieces and nephews: Madeline and Charlotte Hellums, Jameson, Harrison and Greyson Hostettler and Penelope Ayers; stepdaughter Niki (Scott) Abildtrup; stepgranddaughters: Kaci, Ryli and Halli; stepgrandson Brant and aunt and uncle Shirley and Derschel Pennock of Osceola.

He was preceded in death by his parents Harry and Marjorie Ketcham; his paternal and maternal grandparents and his brother-in-law, Ned Cox.

Memorials in Michael’s name may be directed in care of Martha Cox, 931 Lake Shore Drive, Osceola, IA 50213. Please make checks payable to Martha Cox and note in the memo: “Mike Ketcham’s Memorial Fund.” A GoFundMe page has been established to help defray funeral costs. A scholarship fund is also being established in Mike’s name to help further music students. For additional information or to send a condolence to the family please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.