Jeanette Ketola

Jeanette “Jan” Ketola, 71, passed with peace and grace on February 16, 2020 at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City.  She will be always remembered as a loving wife, mother, sister and grandmother whose greatest passion was inspiring others and seeing the beauty in everything and everyone.

Jan was born in Hastings, NE, the daughter of Gerald and Helen Hansen.  At the age of 16, she moved to Gwinn, MI (kicking and screaming).  She married her high school sweetheart, John Ketola on August 23, 1968 in Marquette, MI and officially become a Yooper for many decades to come. Jan graduated from Gwinn High School in 1966 and attended the Wisconsin College of Cosmetology.

Jan never retired, for over 36 years she was a Sales Director for Mary Kay, the Manager of Vista Ridge Winery in Alden for the past two years and a member of the Bellaire Lady Lions.  She loved to spend time with her grandson, Nolan (her special guy), gardening, pontooning on the lake and was considered a second mom to those blessed to have had her in their lives from a young age.

Jan was preceded in death by her parents and brother Gary Hansen.

She is survived by her husband of 51 years, John of Bellaire; daughter, Lori Ketola of St. Petersburg, FL; son, Todd (Connie) Ketola of Brighton, MI; grandson, Nolan Ketola of Brighton, MI; sister, Debbie (Mike) Judy of Indialantic, FL; brothers, Ron (Carol) Hansen of Lincoln, NE, Roger Hansen and Duane (Sandy) Hansen of Omaha, NE.

Jan would like to say thank you to all of the people who helped her along the way. Those who loved her, assisted her, cared for her, laughed with her and taught her things so that she could have a wonderful, happy life. She was blessed beyond measure by knowing all of you. That is what made her life worthwhile.

In honor of Jan, her family will be hosting a Celebration of Life on Clam Lake in Bellaire, MI in the summer.

If you would like to contribute on behalf of Jan’s fabulous life - make someone smile today - nothing would make her happier.   Additionally, memorial contributions may be made to Antrim County Commission on Aging or the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements have been handled by the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign her online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.