Sharon Rose Kettinger, age 75, a longtime resident of Wheaton, IL, went to be with her Lord, suddenly on Thursday, October 14, 2021.  She was born August 7, 1946 in Melrose Park, IL, to Bruce and Rose Meads.

Sharon's father was a Free Methodist pastor. She was especially proud of her father, who served as a medic in WWII and as a chaplain's assistant in POW Camp Stalag IIB, Germany.  Born in Melrose Park, IL, most of her growing up years were spent in Michigan — Meauwataka, Soper, Mesick, Traverse City, and Sparta, followed by Denver, Colorado.  Then off to Spring Arbor College near Jackson, MI, where she completed her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and History.  Following graduation, she and Burt were married on June 22, 1968, and set up housekeeping in Warren, OH, where both taught school.  In early 1969, the Lord moved them to Indianapolis, IN, where Burt became a youth pastor and the Lord provided an elementary teaching position for Sharon.  Daughter, Shauna Rae, was born in December of 1969.  In the summer of 1971, they moved to Winona Lake, IN, where again Burt was a youth pastor and the Lord provided a teaching position for Sharon.  They moved to Wheaton, IL in 1972 to facilitate Burt's graduate studies.  Once again, God provided a teaching position for Sharon.  She taught in the Wheaton Public School District 200 for over 30 years.  During this time, she did a partial Master's degree in Early Childhood Development and completed a Master's Degree in Educational Strategies for the Gifted at the National College of Education. Along the way, she taught all levels from pre-school through fifth grade, most of her years in the primary grades.  Much to Sharon and Burt's surprise, in January, 1989, the Lord gave them child number two, Burton Edward III, affectionately known as BJ — their Bundle of Joy.  The Wheaton Leader ran an article with the heading, "Our Local Abraham and Sarah." Let it not be said that God doesn't have a sense of humor!  Following retirement from District 200 in 2001, Sharon spent eleven years on the adjunct faculty of Wheaton College, helping to supervise student teachers.  She fully retired in 2012.

Sharon's primary love was the Lord, Jesus Christ.  Her life and everything about her reflected her love for Christ and for the Word of God, and she touched family, friends, students, and colleagues with the sweetness of Jesus.  Close behind were Sharon's love for her family, her church family, her friends, and the special needs community.  The Kettingers have been part of The Compass Church, Wheaton Campus (formerly the Wheaton Evangelical Free Church) since 1975.  For many years, Sharon was active in special needs ministry at The Compass Church, as well as Joni & Friends and the STARS Disability Ministry of College Church of Wheaton.

Jeremiah 29:11, "'For I know the plans I have for you'  declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" was her life verse,  one she lived in word and deed.  She now lives in the realization of that hope and future, and we, her family, look forward to a joyous reunion in Heaven.

Sharon is survived by her husband of over 53 years, Burt Kettinger, son, BJ, daughter, Shauna (Carl) Hauert, grandchildren, Brittany, Joshua, and Alyssa, siblings, Bill (Peggy) Meads and Angie (Steve) Parker, brother-in-law, LeRoy (Wilma) Kettinger, and many other beloved family. She was proceeded in death by parents, Reverend Bruce and Rose Meads and in-laws, Reverend Burton and Mary Jane Kettinger.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, October 30, 2021 from 9:00 until 10:50 a.m. at The Compass Church, Wheaton Campus, where a service will follow at 11:00 a.m. A livestream link is available for those unable to attend in-person by clicking here: Sharon Rose Kettinger service .

Memorial gifts may be directed to Joni & Friends Chicago, STARS Ministry (College Church of Wheaton) or The Compass Church.

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.