Renee L. Ketchum, age 66, of Hayward, WI passed away on Friday, September 23, 2022, at the University of Minnesota Hospital in Minneapolis, MN.

Renee Lynn Ketchum was born April 19, 1956, in Belmond, IA, the daughter of A.K. and Sylvia (Frohling) Ketchum.

She was raised in Belmond, IA and then moved with her family to Waverly, IA. While in high school Renee participated in softball, basketball and track.  She graduated from Waverly Shell Rock Senior High School in 1974. She worked for Team Electronics in Minneapolis for a few years and then went to college at the University of Minnesota where she studied criminal law, criminal justice, sociology and psychology. Renee graduated with a Bachelor’s degree and then attended Dunwoody College of Technology to study computer programming. She then began work with Japs-Olson Company, an advertising printing company in Minneapolis. While working there, Renee met Karen Jacobson. Renee worked for Japs-Olson Company for over 15 years and then decided to start a business of her own called Scan Master. Renee would create specific computer programs for businesses across the county. In 1998, Renee and Karen built a home in Hayward, WI which would become their primary home in 2003. On December 6, 2014, Renee and Karen were married. Renee continued her business in Hayward and operated it until her retirement in 2021. Throughout Renee’s life she enjoyed snowmobiling, four wheeling, boating, fishing, having a glass of wine and going to a casino. She and Karen were avid Minnesota Twins and Vikings fans. They visited many baseball stadiums across the country and were at the game the Twins won the World Series.

Renee is survived by her three siblings, Robin Ketchum of Hayward, WI, Dan Ketchum of Des Moines, IA, Mick (Beth Snow-Ketchum) Ketchum of Wallingford, IA; one niece, Jody Waggoner; five nephews, Adam Reece, Caleb Waggoner, Christopher Waggoner, John Waggoner and Nicholas Ketchum.

She was preceded in death by her parents and spouse, Karen.

A memorial service celebrating Renee’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 7, 2022, at Hayward Funeral Home. A time of gathering with family and friends will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home.

Honorary bearers will be Caleb Waggoner, Christopher Waggoner and Nicholas Ketchum.

Memorials may be directed to the Hayward Community Food Shelf, PO Box 779, Hayward, WI 54843.

Last Update: Sep 27, 2022 1:17 pm CDT