Howard J. Ketzner

Howard J. Ketzner, age 78, of St. Louis, MO, peacefully passed away on October 31, 2026. He was born in Buffalo, New York, to the late John A. Ketzner, Sr. and Elizabeth (Elsie) Ketzner on June 2, 1948.

Howard voluntarily enlisted in the US Army, served proudly in Vietnam from February 1968 – February 1969 as a Platoon Medic. He was awarded two Bronze Star Medals, a Purple Heart and the Air Medal. Howard was a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans as well as a member of the American Legion and the VFW along with the Crestwood Elks.

From 1978 – 2015, Howard was President of Ketzner Enterprises, Inc. a residential and commercial lighting company that served as a representative of many distinguished lighting manufacturers. He was a member of the American Lighting Association as well as the recipient of several industry awards including the 1996 Lighting Person of the Year and the 2008 American Lighting Association Pillar of the Industry Award.

Howard will be lovingly remembered by his cherished wife and best friend of 37 years, Rhonda nee Reichert Ketzner of St. Louis, Missouri; his beloved son, John Harold Raymond (Jessie) Ketzner of St. Louis, Missouri; his precious grandson, Theodore “Teddy” Howard Ketzner; dear brother John A. Ketzner, Junior and Jan Phillips, along with other cherished relatives and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his brother, Joseph Howard Ketzner; sister-in-law, Pat Ketzner; aunt, Helen Marie Pimmer; and father and mother-in law, Harold and Betty Reichert.

In lieu of flowers please consider memorial donations in honor of Howard to the Humane Society of Missouri, 1201 Macklind Ave, Saint Louis, MO 63110, St. Jude Children’s Research, 262 Danny Thomas, Memphis, TN 38105 or Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Road SW, Lilburn, GA 30047.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 8, 2026, from 3pm until 7pm at John L. Ziegenhein & Sons South County, 4830 Lemay Ferry Road. Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 9, 2026, 12 Noon at John L. Ziegenhein & Sons. Interment following services at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.