George Kettler

George H. Kettler was born on February 7, 1912, in Elk Grove, Wisconsin to Fred and Sophia (Riechers) Kettler. He lived on a farm and attended a rural school. Later, the family moved to Platteville where he attended Hamner Robins and the Old Brick School. As the tallest boy in his class and a good student, he graduated from Platteville High School in 1931.

As a teenager, George developed an interest in insects, especially butterflies, and made a large collection, mounting them in an antique frame. He also had a small mail business in moths, butterflies, caterpillars, etc. George made life histories of monarchs and others in Ricor mounts. He raised Luna moths, cecropia moths, and monarchs. He worked with Leslie Beadle and Loe Speth, as well as hired youngsters to catch butterflies for him, George’s remaining collection is displayed at UW-Platteville in Boebel Hall.

George attended the Platteville Mining School for three years between 1935-38. His first semester in 1935 cost him only $23.00 in tuition. While attending the Mining School, he was part of the student group who helped work on the Big M. He helped with surveying, carrying and whitewashing the rocks. The M was lit for the first time in 1937. Years later, George returned to UWP, completed his fourth year in 1967 and received his Bachelar of Science degree in mining engineering. George worked for the state as a highway engineer, and then went on to work as an assayer chemist for American Zinc, Lead &Smelting C. in Shullsburg, Wis. He worked there from 1942 to 1970, when the company closed down. He also worked part time for Piquette Mining and Milling, in Platteville, and the Vinegar Hill Mining Company, in Cuba City, Wis. While at American Zinc, George made a series of movies of the mining process, which have since been donated to the Jaraiison Museum. After the Shullsburg plant closed, he worked at A. Y. McDonald in Dubuque, Iowa, from 1972 until his retirement at the age of sixty-five. Throughout his life, George had a great interest in mining and was a life member of the American Institute of Mining and Engineering (RIME).

After his father passed away, George and his brother, Albert, operated Kettler Nursery, selling trees and fruit, including apples, pears, plums, cherries and grapes. George’s love for trees and shrubs prompted him and his brother to plant many of the trees in the area, especially magnolia and pine trees. George and Albert also planted the numerous evergreens at the Platteville Golf and Country Club. They planted all the trees by hand and spade and had no tree moving equipment.

Rock collecting and fishing were two other interests of George’s. He collected the rocks and cut and polished them in order to make jewelry: rings, tie clips, necklaces, etc. In the spring, he and others would go spear fishing in the Mississippi sloughs. He also liked walking through the woods

Despite becoming crippled in his later years, due to a car accident in 1970 that took the life of his wife, Leone, George accomplished many things. Although he had no children of his own, whenever he came into contact with young people, he always stressed the importance of education.

George H. Kettler passed away in 2003 and will be remembered as a kind and hardworking person. Three scholarships were created to allow his passions to live on for generations to come.

Agriculture (farming aspect)
George always wanted to be a farmer, but didn’t have a farm. Instead, he always had a large garden and was into raising and selling fruit trees , evergreens, and ornamental shrubs. He liked the outdoors and would encourage students in agriculture.

Biology
George was interested in butterflies and other insects and enjoyed studying them. Since biology is a prerequisite of nursing, he would like to help those students who are planning a nursing career or working in laboratories to help discover cures for diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, bones, etc.

Civil Engineering
George was especially interested in Mining Engineering and rocks. He worked as an assayer in the local mines most of his life even though it was taxing and demanding work. Since UW-Platteville no longer has the mining department, and Civil Engineering relates the closest, he would like to help students in the civil engineering filed.