Reverend Dr. Samuel T. Kaetzel

Reverend Dr. Samuel T. Kaetzel

Global Ministries is saddened to learn of the death of Reverend Dr. Samuel T. Kaetzel, former missionary to South Africa and Ghana.

February 27, 1915 to June 25, 2012

Global Ministries is saddened to learn of the death of former missionary Reverend Dr. Samuel Timothy Kaetzel on June 25, 2012, at the age of 97. 

Reverend Dr. Kaetzel and his wife, Reverend Dr. Reka L. Kaetzel, served as United Church of Christ missionaries in South Africa and Ghana from 1947 to 1978.  Most recently they were residents of the Otterbein Community in Lebanon, Ohio.  As a member of the Chapel of Otterbein, Reverend Dr. Kaetzel formed and played with a group to play recorder music at services.

In South Africa, Samuel conducted worship and preaching, also advising and counseling church members. He conducted leadership training programs for leaders of the church in South Africa and taught in the seminary, serving on the Mission Council as well.  In Ghana, Reverend Dr. Kaetzel was responsible for the training and supervision of missionary children.

Samuel Kaetzel was accompanied in his work in many capacities by Reka, who served as Divisional Commissioner for the Girl Guides and Brownies and Assistant District Commissioner for Cubs in South Africa and Ghana.

Samuel is survived by his wife, Reka; daughter Carol Booth (Wayne, ME) and Marcia Kaetzel (Cincinnati, OH); sisters Miriam Kaetzel and Esther Tregler (Erie, PA); two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Memorial services were held on July 14, 2012, at the Chapel of Otterbein, in Lebanon, and on July 22 at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in Lamar, Indiana. Burial took place in Indiana. 

Messages of condolence can be sent to Reverend Dr. Reka Kaetzel at 4253 Nightingale Court, Lebanon, OH 45036-8173.  Memorial gifts may be sent to Global Ministries, 700 Prospect Avenue East, Cleveland, OH 44115-1100, noting they are in memory of Reverend Dr. Samuel T. Kaetzel.