Robert W. “Bob” Kettler, age 70,
Of Columbus, formerly of New Bremen, died on Thursday, October 21, 2021 at 5:06 P.M. at the Lutheran Hospital in Ft. Wayne, IN. He was born on January 5, 1951 in Celina, the son of the late Robert F. and Elizabeth E. “Betty” (Weinberg) Kettler. Surviving are his sister and brother in-law Diane (Nick) Grilliot of St. Marys; his nieces and nephews: Nick (Melody) Grilliot of Winston Salem, NC, Kris (Bryan) Giesige of St. Marys, and Sheri (Scott) Schlosser of St. Marys; and his great nieces and nephews: Austin, Alli (Drew), Ty, Adam, Dylan, Molly, Carson, and Amy. Also left to cherish his memory are his special friends Sandy, Gary, and their family.
Bob was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul United Church of Christ in New Bremen, and was a 1969 graduate of New Bremen High School. After graduation, he spent a short time attending Bowling Green State University until he decided to start traveling with his band. Bob spent all of life devoted to his music. He was a professional drummer and also was a talented guitar player playing in the Blue West band for several years touring around the western part of the United States. He later played with the band Cimarron who played at Fluffy’s bar and around the Columbus area. Bob’s life was performing in his bands; he loved entertaining, and a life well lived meant bringing people a good time while playing his drums. He had collected several drum sets over the years, and had also amassed a large collection of guitars. Outside of his music, he had worked for The Limited warehouse as a forklift operator. He also had an interest in vintage cars, and was a fan of the OSU Buckeyes and the Cincinnati Reds.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 30, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. at the Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home in New Bremen with Rev. Becky Erb Strang officiating. Interment will follow in the German Protestant Cemetery of New Bremen. Calling hours will be held from 10:00-11:00 A.M. prior to the services at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in memory of Bob can be made to the St. Paul U.C.C. Music Ministry (119 N. Franklin Street, New Bremen, Ohio 45869). Condolences to the Kettler family can be left on the funeral home website at www.gilberghartwigfh.com.