Dolores M. Ketelsen

Dolores Valdez Guenzi Ketelsen passed away peacefully in her home Friday, September 21, 2018 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. 

Dolores is lovingly remembered by her children: Deborah (and Arthur) Thomas of Albuquerque, NM, Dan (and Dawn) Guenzi of Glendive, MT, Diane (and Tony) Englert of Lawrenceburg, KY, and Denise (and Larry) Bekkedahl of Portland, OR as well as her 14 grandchildren. She dearly remains as "Gigi" to her 23 great-grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by her husbands Richard Guenzi and Robert Ketelsen, her parents Edna and F. Herbert Valdez, and siblings Donald Walton, Jim Valdez and Betty Hessel.

Dolores was born on October 22, 1934 in Casper, WY. She married Richard Guenzi in 1951 and together they raised their four children in Glendive, MT. There she worked at the local high school and later served as manager of the Area Chamber of Commerce. She and Richard actively contributed to civic organizations. In 1984 she moved back to Albuquerque, where she met Robert Ketelsen. They married on December 30, 1987. They very much enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren and crewed for a Japanese balloon team for 11 years.

In 2002 Bob and Dolores retired to Port Angeles, WA., where they joined the Yacht Club and took great pleasure in boating around the Olympic Peninsula. Bob died in 2006, and Dolores remained there among friends. She was an avid volunteer, serving her church, the senior center, and as secretary for the PA Yacht Club. In 2016, she returned to Albuquerque to live among family.

Dolores will be remembered for her love of people. She was happiest when surrounded by her family or involved in the community.

Dolores' Life Celebration will begin with a Rosary on Thursday, October 4, 2018 at 11:00 am in the Reflection of Life® Chapel located at 2400 Washington St NE 87110. Mass will be held on Friday, October, 5, 2018 at 10:00 am at St. John XXIII Catholic Church located at 4831 Tramway Ridge Dr NE 87111. A Reception will follow Mass at the St. John XXIII Parish Hall. Burial will be at 1:00 pm at Gate of Heaven Cemetery 7999 Wyoming Blvd NE 87109.

Pallbearers will be Dan Guenzi, Derek Johnson, Tony Thomas, Justin Simonian.

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