William Joseph Ketelaar, Sr.

William Joseph Ketelaar, Sr. passed away on January 22, 2014 at Bronson Methodist Hospital after a brief illness. Bill was born on April 8, 1933 the only child to Joseph and Mary (Stokes) Ketelaar. He was a graduate of St. Augustine High School, where he excelled in football. He attended Michigan State University before enlisting in the Army honorably serving until 1955. Bill worked for Sunset Lanes, Anderson and Sons, but spent most of his adult life working for and retiring from I.H.S. Distributing. His love of all things Notre Dame, but especially Irish football, was legendary to all who knew him. He married Shirley L. Brown and together they have 4 children; Denise (Ronald) Higginbotham, Mary (Earl) Williams, William J. Ketelaar, Jr. and James L. Ketelaar. He was grandfather to 4 grandchildren; Jason A. (Melissa) Williams, Joshua C. (Nicki) Higginbotham; James Patrick Ketelaar and Jessica Ketelaar; step grandfather to Phil and Emily Stressman. He has 2 great grandsons, Ethan Riley and Cameron Jakob Williams. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 40 years, Shirley and his son and namesake, William Jr. Per his request cremation has taken place. Graveside inurnment will be held at a later date. Lasting memorials may be made in his honor to Kairos Dwelling, 2945 Gull Rd. Kalamazoo, MI 49048. Arrangements by Redmond Funeral Home, 4100 S. Westnedge Ave. Kalamazoo, MI 49008 (269) 343-6156. www.redmondfuneralhomes.net, GO IRISH!