News

Home / Fallen Spartans / John Allen Kettunen 1945 – 2019

John Allen Kettunen 1945 – 2019

John Allen Kettunen, age 74, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, passed away Nov. 1, 2019 at Penrose Hospital surrounded by family and friends. He was born April 21, 1945 in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of Helen and Toivo Kettunen. John was a 1963 graduate of North High School where he was inducted into the North High Sports Hall of Fame for his excellence in football, basketball and baseball. He was a 1967 graduate of Michigan State where he played football. The highlight of his college football career was playing for the National Championship in the Rose Bowl. John served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Vietnam. He worked for the government as a private contractor. John is survived by his mother, Helen; sisters, Gloria (Howard) Smartt and Alice; brother, Bill (Karen). He was a favorite uncle to his nephews, Will and Jim, always present at their sporting events. He was preceded in death by his father, Toivo. John will be buried at Agate Cemetary in Trout Creek, Michigan next to his father. A celebration of life will take place at a later date.

Recent News

Ron Saul (1948-2021)

● August 13, 2021
Former Michigan State All-American Ron Saul has passed away at the age of 73 (1948-2021). A three-year letterwinner under Coach Duffy Daugherty from 1967-69, Saul also earned first...
Read More

Robert Ricucci Sr 1938-2021

● August 13, 2021
It is with great sadness that the Ricucci Family announces the passing of one of its patriarchs, Robert Ricucci Sr. Born in New York City, Bob grew up in Chicago, and joined the M...
Read More

ONE IN A MILLION: KERMIT SMITH AND THE RON LEFLORE STORY

● February 02, 2021
BY: GERALD STERNBERG It was an unusually warm night in May of 1977 when my friend and I walked out of Tiger Stadium following a tough loss to the Yankees.  Instead of heading b...
Read More

Are You a Spartan Dawg?

Join today to connect with fellow Spartan Football Alumni, support your fellow players and continue the traditions of the program.

Join Now