Charles F. Ketelhut

Charles F. Ketelhut, 88, of Benton Harbor, went to meet his Lord & Savior Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at his home. A Celebration of Life Eternal will be held 10:00 A.M. Monday at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1965 Broadway Ave., Benton Harbor, with Rev. Paul Naumann officiating. Burial will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens with military rites conducted by the North Berrien Military Rites Team. Friends may call from 2:00 until 4:00 P.M. Sunday at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorials may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church or Hospice at Home. Those wishing to sign Charles’ Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Charles was born February 26, 1924 in Benton Harbor to Frank & Elizabeth (Knuth) Ketelhut. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1942, and shortly after entered the US Army, serving his country during WWII. Charles then gained employment with Michigan Fruit Canners as a truck driver, retiring after many miles and years of service. On September 27, 1952, he married the former Betty Morrison in Benton Harbor. Charles was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Coloma American Legion Post #362, and a life member of VFW Post #1137 in Benton Harbor. He enjoyed hunting & fishing, camping, cooking, baking, and tending to his vegetable garden. Charles was a likable, outgoing person who never met a stranger. He had a wonderful sense of humor and always tried to make you laugh. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Charles is survived by his daughter Kathy Ketelhut of St. Joseph; two granddaughters-Rebecca & Jennifer Kehl of Eugene, Oregon; his brother Jerry Ketelhut of Phoenix, AZ; his sister-in-law Alberta “Betz” Ketelhut of Benton Harbor; and several nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter Linda Kehl in 2008, his wife Betty in 2009, his brother Stanley Ketelhut in 2012; and his sister Geraldine Ketelhut in 1945.