Gene Kettwig

Charles Eugene Kettwig, Gene or Grand Papa Duck as he was known in Grants Pass, was born January 21, 1932 in Alameda California. Gene passed away on June 28, 2020 in Grants Pass Oregon from complications of Parkinson’s disease.

Gene was born to Carl Kettwig and Anne Grover Kettwig. The Kettwig family had a daughter, Patricia already at home when Gene arrived and 2 years later added another son, Ken. A few years later the family moved to East Oakland where Gene grew up and attended the local elementary and junior High schools.

In 1946 the family moved to Lucerne, California. The family owned and operated the Kettwig’s Chevron Station. Gene attended high school in Lake County. He was an active member of student body offices. Gene graduated from high school in 1950 and enlisted in the U.S. Airforce. He trained as a dental technician assistant at Sheppard AFB, Texas. His first duty station was Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio. Gene was serving during the Korean War and was shipped to the Pacific Ocean Island of Guam for 2 years. He was shipped back stateside to George AFB after Guam and was honorably discharged in 1954.

Gene returned to Lucerne, California and married Delphine Randolph in 1955. He bought a Pepsi Cola distribution route which he operated for 4 years. During this time, his son, Richard Kettwig was born in 1957. In 1959, Gene was on the road quite a bit selling logging equipment. Gene and Delphine divorced in 1968 and Gene relocated to Ukiah where he worked for Acme Rigging for 18 years. In the early 1980’s Gene started his Redwood Water Conditioning Business, which he ran successfully up until his retirement in December of 1998.

Gene joined the South Ukiah Rotary in 1984. He was on the board of directors for several years and served as President for a term.

Gene was appointed by the Governor of California, Pete Wilson, to the 12th district Redwood Empire Fair Board as a director. He served as President for a term. He resigned in 2003.

He and Nancy Hurt married on July 1998 in Covelo, California. They moved to Grants Pass Oregon in 2003.

Gene and Nancy, with a group of a few friends, helped start a new Rotary club in Grants Pass. Gene was a founding member of the Rotary Club of Greater Grass Pass. Gene tirelessly worked to raise money for the kids of Grants Pass. He was active within the club until his Parkinson’s disease progressed.

Gene is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Nancy Kettwig of Grants Pass. His son Richard and wife Christine Kettwig of Lucerne, CA. Daughter in law, LeeAnn Bowman of Citrus Heights, CA. Brother Ken and wife Susan Kettwig of Pleasant Hill, CA. Granddaughter, Amy Kettwig and son Gavin of Rohnert Park, CA. Grandson, Dylan and wife Maryann Kettwig and son Milo of Lake County, CA.

Gene is proceeded in death by his parents Carl and Anne Kettwig. His sister, Patricia Reicks. His Aunt Jane Bentley and nephew Todd Kettwig.

In lieu of flowers please send donations the Greater Grants Pass Rotary Foundation in Gene’s name. “It’s for the kids“

Due to COVID-19, the family has chosen, with regret, to forgo any services.