Fran Kettler, age 83, of Farmington Hills, passed away peacefully, Saturday, January 3, 2026.

Fran was born March 3, 1942 in Champaign–Urbana, Illinois, the daughter of the late Mary Alice and John Black, Sr.

Fran earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Michigan in 1964, where she served as president of her nursing class and was an active member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority.

A dedicated nurse, Fran spent her career caring for others at several area hospitals, including the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor), Beaumont Hospital (Royal Oak campus), and Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. Her colleagues remembered her for professionalism, warmth, and an ability to comfort patients and families.

Fran married Gordon Kettler, and the couple shared a deep and enduring love for more than 47 years before Gordon's passing in 2022. Together they traveled widely, often by cruise, making cherished memories on trips through Europe and around the world.  After Gordon's retirement the pair spent many happy years living in Naples, Florida, enjoying the sunshine and their active social life.

Fran maintained lifelong friendships, including a long-standing coffee group that met weekly for more than 40 years. Fran enjoyed sports—especially tennis. She remained an avid Michigan Wolverines fan throughout her life.

Fran's family, friends, former colleagues, and all who knew her will remember her generosity, her lively spirit, and the warmth she brought into every room.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Gordon.

She will be remembered as the loving mother of Molly Kettler, Michael (Maria) Kramer, David (Wendy) Kettler, Kelly (James) Knight and, Susan (Matthew) Maine; cherished grandmother of  Jacob Stille, Nathan Kettler, Stuart Kettler, Alex Knight, Zachary Kramer, Kayla Knight, McKenna Kettler, Teagan Kettler and Madeline Maine; and, fond sister of John L. Black, Jr. (Marie) and dearest sister-in-law of Linda Barkley.

The Kettler family will receive friends Wednesday, January 7, 11am-1pm at the funeral home, where a service will be held at 1pm.

Immediately following the service, her family will escort her to her final place of rest and have a private ceremony at Glen Eden Memorial Park, Livonia, where she will be interred next to her husband, Gordon.

Please keep the Kettler family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.