James Erich Kesterke

James “Jim” Erich Kesterke, 61, of St. Joseph, passed away Monday, August 15, 2011 at his home. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 10:00 A.M. Friday, August 19, 2011 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery. Friends may visit from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Thursday, August 18, 2011 at the funeral home with Moose Rites at 7:30 P.M. Memorials may be made to Lakeland Hospice or Humane Society of S.W. Michigan. Those wishing to share a memory online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Jim was born December 14, 1949 in Benton Harbor, MI to Franklin and Ellen (Gulliver) Kesterke. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1968. Jim served his country in the National Guard. He worked for Whirlpool for 20 years, owned and operated the Tastee Freeze in St. Joseph, and was currently employed at Clearwater Paper in Elwood, IL. He was a member of the Benton Harbor Moose, St. Joseph/Benton Harbor Elks' and the Stevensville American Legion. In his spare time he enjoyed spending time at his pool, golfing, and rooting for the University of Michigan. Jim is survived by his mother Ellen Kesterke of St. Joseph; former wife of 26 years Vicki Kesterke of St. Joseph; son James “Jimmy” Kesterke of St. Joseph; daughter Cindy Kesterke of St. Joseph; grandson Andy Kesterke of St. Joseph; sister, Diane and her husband Ken Bates of St. Joseph who cared for him over the past months; five nieces Becky (Perry) Bates-Ballard of Chicago, IL., Beth (Joe) Chen of Seal Beach, CA., Karen (Paul) Adams of St. Joseph, Heather (Andy) Steinbrook of Bridgman, and Jennifer (Mike) Pratt of Stevensville; nephew Jason Ryno of St. Petersburg, FL; a host of Cousins and friends; and his loyal beagle, Buck. Jim was preceded in death by his father Franklin Kesterke.