Robert A. Ketelhut

Robert A. Ketelhut, 78 of Baroda died Friday morning March 5, 2010 at his home surrounded by his wife and family. Friends may call from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Monday at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph. A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday at First Baptist Church of St. Joseph, 902 Broad St., St. Joseph officiated by Rev. Marlo O. Fritzke. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery with Military Rites conducted. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church or Hospice at Home. Friends wishing to sign the memory book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com Bob was born on January 5, 1932 in Benton Harbor to Richard & Edith (Spoonemore) Ketelhut. He was inducted in the United States Army on November 6, 1952 to serve during the Korean War and Honorable discharged on November 1, 1960. On July 7, 1956 he married the love of his life Wanda Riggs at the First Baptist Church of St. Joseph. After returning from the military he worked at Riverview Cemetery and was superintendent of the cemetery for the last 20 years before he retired in 1994. He was a trustee at his church. He enjoyed woodworking and repairing small engines. He is survived by his wife Wanda of Baroda; two daughters Tamra Lyn (Terry) O'Rourke of Elkhart, IN and Dawn Marie Hansen of Baroda; five grandchildren Brett, Jenny, Ashley, Heather and Alyssa; two great grandchildren Connor and Emily; one brother Richard Ketelhut of TX; two sisters Maryann Graham of Niles and Barbara Ketelhut of Grand Rapids. He was preceded in death by grandson Jonathon Robinson and sister Pat Charleston