JoAnn Oldorf Kettman

JoAnn Oldorf Kettman passed away on March 19, 2026, in Sun City West, Arizona, at the age of 91 after an extended COPD illness. She was born on December 15, 1934, in Clarence, Iowa, to Harold Oldorf and Pauline Kahler Oldorf and grew up on the Oldorf family farm southwest of Stanwood. She was baptized and confirmed at the Stanwood St. Paul Lutheran Church. JoAnn graduated from Stanwood High School and received her Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the University of Iowa.
Following graduation, she moved to Minnesota where she taught physical education and science at LeRoy and Simley High Schools. She retired from teaching at Pleasant Valley High School in Pleasant Valley, Iowa, where she taught science and coached the volleyball and tennis teams.
On March 18, 1978, she married John Kettman of Moline, Illinois, where they made their home.
JoAnn was active in a variety of activities and interests. She was recognized as one of three pioneers of Iowa high school girls’ volleyball, which lead to her induction to the first class of the Iowa Girls High School Coaches & Officials Hall of Fame in 2005. While coaching she served on the Iowa Volleyball Rules & Interpretation Committee for IGHSAU. She also officiated volleyball.
JoAnn was an avid traveler and golfer, playing on the women’s golf team at the Tipton Golf & Country Club and the women’s Waterman’s Cup Team at the Rock Island Arsenal Golf Club. She traveled throughout the US, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
Upon retiring to Sun City West, Arizona, JoAnn’s innovations continued. She introduced pickleball to Sun City West by chalking lines on the platform tennis court to create a pickleball court. She also pushed to establish the shorter “green” tees at the four regulation golf courses in Sun City West.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband, John Kettman, sister-in-law, Marilee Oldorf, brother-in-law, Richard Vaerst, friends Kris Plueger and Beth Stearns, eight nieces and nephews, and seventeen great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Pauline Oldorf, sister, Janis Vaerst and brother, Roger Oldorf.
A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at a later date.