Eleanora "Nora" Kettler

Eleanora “Nora” Kettler, age 79 of Brenham passed away Wednesday, December 10, 2025.

Eleanora Kettler, Nora to all, was born January 27, 1946 to parents, Venceslaus Henry and Nancy Gurka Bonkowski in Washington County. She was raised on a farm and then later moved to Brenham. Nora graduated from Brenham High School and then moved to Houston. She then started work at the phone company. She eventually returned to Brenham. Here she met Kenneth Kettler and they married August 9, 1969.

When her job relocated to Houston, she chose to start a successful catering business with her husband. Nora enjoyed gardening, canning, and cooking. She loved to talk on the phone. If she called, you could plan for at least a one hour conversation.

Nora had a passion and love of gambling. She was known for her sense of humor, boisterous laughter and ability to make others laugh. Nora was known for her generosity in her community and her long time involvement in the church. She and Kenneth helped with the Bereavement Committee. She was instrumental in obtaining the church organ at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church.

She loved to provide lemonade at the church bizarre. She was member of the Altar Rosary Society, was a Eucharistic Minister, established the church choir in 2004, received the Lumen Gentium Award in 2006 and was a member of the KJT Society.

Nora is survived by: husband of 56 years Kenneth W. Kettler, sister Blanche Snow; brother-in-law Jimmy Kettler, nieces Terry Cornett, Dawn Sumner, Dina Snow; nephews Mark Stolarski, David Stolarski and wife Christina; great nieces and nephews, Bryce Leasure and wife Mallory, Ashley Walraven and husband Hayden, Derek Stolarski and wife Catherine, and Luke Stolarski.

Nora stepped into the life of her niece, Dawn, with the love, care, and strength of a mother. Dawn felt that she is the person that she is today because Nora believed in her and always encouraged her.

She was preceded in death by: parents Venceslaus and Nancy Bonkowski, sister and brother-in-law Flora and Carl Stolarski, and infant brother Walter John Bonkowski.

A special thank you to friends Ronnie and Peggy Husky.

Thanks to Brenham Nursing and Rehabilitation doctor, nurses and staff, and Amedisys Hospice.

Visitation will be Sunday, December 14th from 5-6:30 pm with rosary recited at 6:30pm at Brenham Memorial Chapel.

Rosary will also be recited at 9:30 am at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Chappell Hill. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10 am.

Interment will be at St. Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Mark Stolarski, David Stolarski, Ashley Walraven, Mike Bronikowski, Chris Krolczyk and Ronnie Husky.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX 77833. 979-836-3611 Share condolences at bmc@brenhammemorialchapel.com.