Julie Spence Kettner

life story

Beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Friend

Julie lived life with passion and grace. She was loved by many and is missed very deeply.

About Julie

Julie Kettner of River Falls, WI passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 25, 2021.

Julie was born in Spring Valley, WI on December 20, 1947 to Ray and Millie Wilhelm.

Julie graduated from Spring Valley High School and earned her degree in English from UW-River Falls. She married Terry Spence in 1966 and together they had three children, Joelle, Kelly, and Aaron. She loved music and theater, becoming one of the original Stagehands at the Spring Valley Theater. She acted in many plays but found directing more fun, directing such plays as Arsenic & Old Lace and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. She had a skill for solving and writing logic problems. Many puzzles of hers were published in Dell Crossword Magazines. Later she worked as an editor for Dell Publishing. She also worked as an Executive Director and Grant Writer for many non-profits including The Bridge to Hope and The United Way. Later in life she met and married Michael Kettner who was her partner in life for fifteen years at the time of her death. They enjoyed traveling together and often spent their time around Lake Superior.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Mildred Wilhelm, her brother Don Wilhelm, her sister Marlene Holland, her daughter Joelle Andreas and her son-in-law Serrin Andreas. She is survived by her husband Michael Kettner, her daughter Kelly (Matthew) Schreiber, and her son Aaron Spence. Her Grandchildren Logan & Jacob Andreas, Kaitlyn & Brenna Schreiber, and Alma & Jonah Spence. Her Stepchildren Jenna Schiller, Katie (Travis) Anderson, and Nate (Angie) Kettner. Her Step-Grandchildren, Alayna, Olivia, Kylie & Charlie, Matthew & Ari, Cameron, Jaxton, Mackenzie & Madison, and Step Great-Grandchild Emma. Her brother-in-law George Holland; brother Dick (Vi) Wilhelm; sister Dana (Bob) Colburn; sister Susann (Alner) Avestruz, and many nieces and nephews.

Julie was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend who was loved by many. Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life gathering to be held on Sunday, November 14, anytime from 11-2 at the Spring Valley Golf Course located at 345 Hidden Fox Ct. Spring Valley, WI.

memorial service

Celebration of Life

November 14, 2021

Spring Valley Golf Course 345 Hidden Fox Ct, Spring Valley, WI 54767, USA

Friends and Family are invited to join us any time from 11:00AM to 2:00PM for the Celebration of Julie's life

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services