RACINE – Earl J. Kettinger, 93, passed away at Wisconsin Veterans Home in Union Grove on Thursday, May 7, 2015. Earl was born in St. Louis, MO on January 30, 1922 to Raymond and Rosa (nee Bayer) Kettinger. He relocated with his family to Racine when he was 14. Earl was a proud and decorated veteran of the U.S. Army having served during World War II in the European Theater. His service earned him a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart among other medals of recognition. Earl married the former Mavis Melcher, recently celebrating 68 years of marriage. He was a Co-owner and operator of A-1 Painting and Decorating for many years. He loved spending time with his family and caring for his yard and gardens. Survivors include his wife, Mavis Kettinger; children, Carol (Guenther) Lippold, James (Mary) Kettinger, and son-in-law, Terry Killberg; grandchildren, Michael (Amanda) Killberg, Steve Killberg, Megan (Dan) Miller, Jennifer (Chris) Anderson, Scott (Tiffany) Lippold, James Kettinger, Jr. and fianc, Emily Kappel, and David Kettinger; great grandchildren, Colin and Peyton Killberg, Gabriel Killberg, Lauren and Ethan Miller, Katie and Joel Anderson and Andrew and William Lippold. Earl is also survived by nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Nancy Killberg, his parents, brother and sister-in-law, Gervase and Alice Kettinger, and sister and brother-in-law, Marie and Joseph Beres. The family is deeply grateful for the exceptional, professional and loving care afforded Earl in the nearly 2 years he resided at the Wisconsin Veteran's Home in Union Grove. A Mass of Christian Burial for Earl will be held at St. John Nepomuk Parish, 1903 Green Street, on Thursday, May 14, 2015 at 10:30 a.m., celebrated by Fr. Steve Varghese. Interment will follow at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery with full military honors. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the church on Thursday morning from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass at 10:30 a.m. Memorials may be directed to Earl's family who will be making a lasting memorial in Earl's memory at the Wisconsin Veterans Home.