Neltia M. Kettleson

Neltia “Nel” Mae Kettleson (Weisse), age 91 of Appleton, WI passed away at her home on May 14, 2026. She was born in Plymouth, WI on December 25, 1934, the daughter of the late Harvey and Julia (Schlicting) Weisse. Nel graduated from Plymouth High School with the class of ’52 and went on to achieve a Bachelor’s in home economics from the University of Wisconsin Madison in 1956. She started her teaching career at New Holstein High School and went on to teach at Fox Valley Technical College. Nel met the love of her life, George Kettleson, as a coworker at New Holstein High School and decided to marry on August 19, 1961. Together, they raised 2 wonderful children.

Nel was a woman of many talents and passions. She enjoyed gardening, baking, and volunteering. In fact, she was recognized and won the Volunteer of the Year Award in 1988 by Drum Corps International. She was an exceptional seamstress and created and stitched together many pieces of clothing for family and friends. If you knew Nel at all, you know how easy it was to talk to her – she would have a personal investment in your life and, even if you barely knew her, she talked with you as if you’ve been friends for years. Nel was a true helper – if you needed anything, she would find a way to get you what you needed. More than anything else, though, Nel loved her family and cherished every moment she could spend with her kids and grandkids.

Nel will be deeply missed by her children, Craig (Lupe) Kettleson and Julie (Douglas) Werner; her grandchildren, Elise and Angela Kettleson; her brother, Harley (Janice) Weisse; her sister-in-law, Janine Weisse; as well as many nieces, nephews, other extended relatives, and dear friends.

Nel is preceded in death by her husband, George; her parents; and her brothers, Carl (Sally) Weisse and Harvey Weisse.

A memorial visitation will be held from 1-4 PM on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N. Superior St, Appleton, WI 54911. Nel will be laid to rest with her husband at Highland Memorial Park in Appleton, WI. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Neltia Kettleson Memorial Scholarship, Fox Valley Technical College Foundation, 1825 N. Bluemound Dr, Appleton, WI 54912-2277.

Nel’s family would like to extend a special thanks to Chris, Elijah, and Emily Docker, as well as her neighbors, the Perez family, for helping her live at home all this time. Your care and compassion is deeply appreciated.