Lucas Ryan Ketelsen

It is with an extremely heavy heart that we announce the unexpected loss of our beloved son, Lucas, on May 4th , 2024.

Lucas Ryan Ketelsen was born on 7 October, 1986 at the former Bess Kaiser Hospital in Portland, Oregon, to Mark and Patty Ketelsen. Lucas grew up in the house he helped build with his father and big brother, Chris, and would remain in the Battle Ground/Yacolt area for most of his life.

Lucas graduated from Battle Ground High School in 2005. He attended Washington State University in Pullman and was in the final year of his engineering degree when he was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and would return home for time to heal. He would later attend Clark College and WSU-Vancouver where his education would again be cut short, this time for complicated mental health issues.

As a child Lucas was always smiling, laughing and full of energy. He was quiet and rarely complained. As a man he was still quiet, sensitive and had a dry wit that would take you by surprise. He was our gentle giant.

In Lucas’s healthy years he enjoyed photography, and we treasure all the photos he took on his many adventures. Lucas had many friends and with them he enjoyed climbing, hiking, gaming, and drinking a good IPA. He was a huge fan of all Northwest sports teams; Mariners, Blazers and Seahawks.

Lucas is preceded in death by his biggest fan, Molly. He is survived by his parents, older brother and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

A celebration of life for Lucas will be held on June 29th at 1:00PM in the Lewisville Room at the Battle Ground Community Center, 912 E. Main St, BG, WA.

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation (bbrfoundation.org). One of the few organizations where 100% of the donations go to grants to study mental health treatments. If so inclined, you can donate in memory of Lucas Ketelsen as a tribute to him.