Ketelsen Campers of Colorado - A Gander RV Network Dealer

More About Ketelsen Campers of Colorado - A Gander RV Network Dealer

Our Founder, Johnny Ketelsen lead a diverse and exciting life! From a farming background in Iowa, Johnny emerged to become a popular Country & Western musician in the Midwest. As a member of the famous Tom Owens' Cowboys, Johnny traveled extensively, entertaining with the major Country & Western stars of the 50's and 60's. A guitar player and singer, Johnny performed in all the major ballrooms throughout the Midwest. The band appeared regularly at the famous Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa. The band evolved from the Tom Owens' Cowboys to the Johnny Ketelsen Band in 1955. Heard daily for over 20 years on WMT radio in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the band holds the National Broadcasting record of 6,500 live radio shows (the most of any musical group in history). Johnny appeared regularly on his own TV shows on WMT-TV and KCRG-TV for many years. In 1962, Johnny embarked on a new "career" in selling campers. Still performing nightly with the band, Johnny enlisted the entire Family to help promote the fledgling business. As a pioneer in the emerging industry, Johnny helped forge the framework of what today is known as the Recreational Vehicle Business.