Steve Kettelhut recognized as December 2025 Jefferson County Veteran of the Month
He spent years honing his skills in a certain kind of communication to prepare for his time in the service - and afterwards, created a career for himself as an auctioneer.
By News Channel NebraskaHe spent years honing his skills in a certain kind of communication to prepare for his time in the service - and afterwards, created a career for himself as an auctioneer.
December's Jefferson County Veteran of the Month is Steve Kettelhut.
Born and raised near Hubbell and Chester in Southeast Nebraska, Kettelhut voluntarily joined the Army in 1970.
His training took him all across the U S as he worked to become proficient in Morse code.
That ability got him sent to Stuttgart, where he was in charge of a communications unit and worked alongside NATO and against potential Soviet threats.
Kettelhut was honorably discharged in April 1972 after just over two years of service time. Back home in Nebraska, he's run his own auction and real estate business since 1990.
For decades, he's also been an active member of the Elks Lodge, the fire department and honor guard. Steve and his wife Shirley celebrated their 50th anniversary in July.