Charlie Ketcham, age 62, of 612 North 20th Street in Escanaba passed away Wednesday, December 1, 2010 at the St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba following a lengthy illness.
Charlie was born January 24, 1948 in Perkins, the son of Edward and Violet (Trentin) Ketcham. Charlie worked in the highway maintenance department of the Michigan Department of Transportation for many years. He was united in marriage to Patricia “Patsy” Koeller. He was a hard worker and a loving husband, father and grandfather.
Including his wife Patsy, Charlie is survived by:
2 sons: Jim (Pam) Gerou of Escanaba, MI; Matt (Cindy) Gerou of Green Bay, WI
2 daughters: Sarah (Jeff) Slagstad of Gladstone, MI; Crystal (Michael) Beauchamp of Gladstone, MI
11 grandchildren: Josh, Shealene and Dylan Gerou; Noah and Gabrielle Johnson; Natalie and Nathaniel Beauchamp; Tricia Balenger; Allison, Hunter and Emylee Slagstad.
9 brothers: Ed (Dorothy) Ketcham, Jim Ketcham, Bob (Rose) Ketcham, Mike (Laurie) Ketcham, Ron Ketcham, Tim (Kathy) Ketcham, Dennis Ketcham, Rodney Ketcham and Jerry (Vivian) Ketcham
4 sisters: Wanda (Chuck) DeMenter, Pat Couillard, Sue (Bob) Kohnert and Carol Ketcham
Numerous nieces and nephews
He was preceded in death by his parents and his infant brother, Daniel.
The Ketcham family will receive friends on Saturday, December 4 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Funeral services will follow at 4:00 PM at the funeral home with Rev. Fr. Emmett Norden officiating. Charlie will be laid to rest in the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone.
Anonymous
Patsy & family,Sorry for your loss. Charlie was a great person. He will be missed.
Lisa Brower Benoit
Escanaba, MI
Uncle Charlie is a hard worker, loves his family and loves life. Always been fair to everyone. To loose a man so wonderful is hard. I had lost my Uncle and godfather may he rest in peace. We will meet again.
Theresa Boren
Lebanon, MO
To Charlie’s family, my sincere condolence. I work with Charlie when he was at the Engadine maintenance garage. He was easy to work with. He was always smiling and in a good mood. He will be sadly missed.
Mike Walker
Engadine, MI
Our sincere sympathy goes to Patsy and family. Charile was a very nice man and good neighbor. We will miss him. Patsy if there is anything we can do to help please let us know.
Mykie, Jimmer and Jenny Nail
Michelle Nail
Escanaba, MI
Jerry & Vivian, So sorry to hear about your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
Jessica Goode
Palmyra, VA
To Charlie’s Family,
My sincerest condolences I worked with Charlie for about 15 yrs here in Crystal Falls,he was always happy,smiling and pleasant to deal with. While we weren’t close we did work closely as I was the person who determined where the signs that Dan and Charlie put up were to be placed. I am so sorry to hear about your loss, Charlie deserved a longer retirement.
Jeff Chernach
Crystal Falls, MI
To Patty and all family,
Charlie has been always a wonderful person to me . I grew up in the same neighbohood as they did. I am good friend to Patsy as well as all Ketchams. At least I hope so. If there’s anything I can do, don’t hesitate to call 906-241-4045. If you just need a shoulder, call.
Love you, Robin
Robin Boudreau
Gladstone, MI
Dear Crystal & Patsy…. very sorry for the loss of Charles. You are all in my prayers.
Sincerely
Kathleen Gustafson
Gladstone, MI
Charlie and I hung around a lot in our 20’s and 30’s and each and every time we saw each other we would laugh and knew what the other was thinking about! I sure am going to miss him a awful lot. We had some great times together! Your cousin Clyde
Clyde P Caron
Largo, FL