Hugo Kettula

Ruby Jean Kettula, age 78 passed away on November 25, 2009 after a courageous battle with cancer at Amery Regional Medical Center surrounded by her family. Ruby was born on March 14, 1931 in Galesville, Illinois to Silas and Frona Perry. Ruby grew up in a logging camp around the Eagle River area and then in the restaurant/bar business, known as “Perry’s.” Ruby was a 1950 graduate of Eagle River High School. Hugo William Kettula, age 87 passed away peacefully at United Pioneer Home in Luck on November 27, 2009 just one day after his wife, Ruby. Hugo was born on March 25, 1922 in Phelps, Wisconsin to Sam and Anna Kettula. Hugo was a 1940 graduate of Phelps High School. He was a trapper and a logger and helped on the family farm. Hugo met Ruby over the sale of a logging horse that Hugo purchased from Ruby’s father. They eloped on New Year’s Eve in 1952, settling in Phelps. To this union 5 children were born Linda, Richard, David, and twins Kathy and Kay. In their early years of marriage they were in the freight salvage business together and Ruby was a telephone operator. They later purchased Otter Rapids Trout Ranch in Eagle River in 1956 until 1964 when they moved to Seven Pines Trout Hatchery in Lewis. Hugo and Ruby worked as business partners raising and delivering live trout. They were veteran members in the Trout Growers Association. Ruby served as clerk for the Clam Falls Township from 1982 through 1989. Hugo served as chairman from 1981 until 1997. Hugo also served on the highway committee for Polk County. Ruby also served on the Polk County Board of Directors and the Health & Human Services & Aging Department for 10 years. Ruby was the secretary/treasurer of the Wisconsin Agricultural Association and editor of the newsletter “The Creel,” a monthly newsletter for the trout growers. Their awards included the Agriculture Hall of Fame and the U.S. Trout Farmers Association for serving as convention co-chairpersons. Ruby and Hugo were active in the trout business until recently when their health began to fail. Ruby was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Kay, brother Edmund. Hugo was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Ruby, daughter Kay, brother Albert and his step-father Iner Hokanson. Ruby and Hugo are survived by their children Linda (Joe) Wells, Richard (Bonnie) Kettula, David (Marlene) Kettula, and Kathy (Robin) Marlow; grandchildren Noah, Silas, Tasha, Sadie, Amber, Jake, and Gage; great grandchildren Kyaisha, Kohl, Saidra, Ruby, Samantha and Riely. Ruby is survived by her brother, Willard (Mickey) Perry. Memorial services for both Ruby and Hugo will be held on Saturday, December 12, 2009 at the United Methodist Church in Lewis at 2:00 PM (visitation from 1-2:00 PM with Pastor Steve Ward officiating. Music will be provided by Bonnie Kettula and Gloria Chell. Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, Wisconsin. Online condolences can be made at www.swedberg-taylor.com.