Karla Henriette Ketelsen (née Nissen) was born on Aug. 27, 1931 in Midlum, on the island of Foehr, Germany. She married Ernst Ketelsen in November 1948, and their two children, Erk and Sesle, were born in Germany. They immigrated to the United States and initially settled in Bayonne, NJ. Karla and Ernst later owned and operated a delicatessen in Teaneck, NJ, together with their brother-in-law, Jan Frudden. Karla worked tirelessly throughout her life, taking an active role in raising her grandchildren in her early retirement and traveling both domestically and abroad to visit and support her family.

Karla was beloved by her entire family, and gave generously of herself and her love to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She transformed every place she lived – from Midlum to Midland Park – into a warm and inviting home. She took delight in telling stories about her childhood on Foehr and sharing meals and games with her family.

Karla is survived by her brothers (Hermann and Sophus), sister (Christa), two children (Erk and Sesle), five grandchildren (Erik, Elisa, Sarah, Emily, and Ben) and ten great-grandchildren (Anthony, Ashley, Alexander, Andrew, Caroline, Margaret, Nathaniel, Ezra, Everett and Freya). She is predeceased by her husband (Ernst), brother (Kurt), and great-grandson (Parker). Funeral service will take place at 10am on Saturday, March 25 at Trinity Lutheran Church (167 Palisade Ave., Bogota, NJ), with interment at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus.

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