December 28, 1934 - April 11, 2023
Herbert A. Ketcham, Jr., age 88, of Richfield passed away on April 11, 2023. He graduated from North St. Paul High School, had an undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota and graduate degree from Harvard University. Herb was one of three founding partners of the Architectural Alliance, now known as the Alliiance. In his 25 years with the firm he was the principal in charge of many projects, as well as President and CEO. He was on the Board of the Minnesota Society American Institute of Architects, taught at the College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture at the University of Minnesota and served on the Board. He was a member of American Institute of Architects and elected into the College of Fellows. Herb had a love for aviation. He was a member of the Minnesota Air National Guard in the 133rd Maintenance Squadron. He served on the Board for the Minnesota Air National Guard and was a private pilot for 30 years. Herb was a member of Woodlake Lutheran Church for over 60 years, attending Saturday morning Bible study and was President of the Congregation.
Preceded in death by wife, Janet and parents, Herbert and Virginia Ketcham. Survived by children, Sandra (Michael) Livingston, Robert (Rome) Ketcham, John Ketcham, Barbara (Scott) Middleton and Susan (Kevin) Casson; grandchildren, Michelle (Evan Ward), David, Lynn (Luke Checkalski), Paul, Ashley, Lauren, Joshua and Annie; great-grandchildren, Rowan, Sienna and Liam; former daughters-in-law, Julie and Lori; and companion Sharon.
Memorials to Woodlake Lutheran Church, Richfield, MN
Visitation
Wednesday, April 19, 2023
4:00 - 7:00 PM
Morris Nilsen Funeral Chapel
6527 Portland Avenue S.
Richfield, MN 55423
Funeral Service
Thursday, April 20, 2023
11:00 AM & Visitation 1 hour prior
Woodlake Lutheran Church
2120 W. 76th St.
Richfield, MN 55423
Interment
Thursday, April 20, 2023
1:30 PM
Pleasant View Memorial Gardens
Highway 13 East
Burnsville, MN 55337
Dear Ketcham Family,
I will write my comments to celebrate 69 years of friendship, and 53 years of Alliiane Architects partnership with Herb,
Hopefully Cindy Elsworth or Another will be able to read at the 4/20/2023 Funeral Service, . . . as I am not able to return from our home in Arizona until May 5 2023.
All my love, John Lackens
My childhood companion. Loved you and miss you.
Cousin Sharon Williams (Sharonsafuss)
See you soon.
I have so many great memories of Janet and Herb beginning in the 1950’s. Things like finding “real” beer when Pracna on Main opened, or developing the Sanibel (Florida) stoop while searching for seashells on their 25th wedding anniversary. Herb was generous in so many ways and was such a special friend. There is comfort in knowing he is now resting in peace. I send sincere condolences to all who were part of his life. Jan (Hall) Freund
I have the best memories of Herb. He was a dear friend and terrific architect. He always strived for the best in the studio design class, architecture design and for the University of Minnesota School of Architecture. Herb was a person of great energy and passion for doing things right. We shared stories about flying where he was so accomplished. He made an outstanding contribution to his community and the profession. Herb will be missed. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
I had the great fortune to work with Herb at Architectural Alliance (now Alliiance) in the mid 1990’s. Herb had a ready smile and brought his passion for design and architecture to the office each day. His warmth and thoughtful approach to work, and his joy for life, helped to shape a positive culture at the firm, where we worked hard and played hard.
I am sad to hear of his passing and extend my deepest sympathy to his family and close colleagues.