WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Charles E. Kesler, age 87, of Centreville, Mich., passed away Saturday evening, Nov. 15, 2014, at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born Sept. 9, 1927, in Fort Wayne, Ind., son of the late Walter and Anna ( Jennings) Kesler. Chuck resided in the Sturgis and Centreville area since 1958. Prior to coming to Sturgis, he lived in Columbia City, Ind., Fort Wayne, Ind. and Allentown, Pa. On July 8, 1950, he married Betty J. Henderson in Fort Wayne, Ind.
In 1957, he established Kesler Associates, Inc. a manufacturer’s representative firm he operated until his retirement.
Chuck was proud to have served his country in the U. S. Navy during World War II and the Korean War earning the rank of Journalist First Class. He served as a naval correspondent and journalist. While stationed in Alaska he was a broadcaster for a naval radio news show and he also broadcast sporting events including softball games.
He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Sturgis. Other memberships included the Society of Plastic Engineers, Neuman-Wenzel Post # 73 American Legion, St. Joseph County Sportsman and Conservation Club, Island Hills Condo Association Board of Directors and the Michigan Trap Shooting Association. Chuck was a licensed private pilot and very competitive in tournament trap shooting for many years.
He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 64 years, Betsy; one daughter, Jacquelyn ( Thomas) Jancek of Grand Ledge, Mich.; one son, Jeffrey ( Tammy) Kesler of Bainbridge Island, Wash.; four grandchildren, Erin Diaz, Emilia Jancek, Justen Otaka and Devereaux Kesler; three greatgrandchildren, Pippa, Opal and Annabelle; and one sister, Shirley Henderson of Columbia City, Ind.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Phyllis Johnston.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends from 3- 6 p. m. on Sunday, Nov. 23 at the Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, MI 49091, 269- 651- 2331. A memorial service celebrating the life of Charles E. Kesler will be held at 11 a. m. Monday Nov. 24 at the First United Methodist Church, 200 Pleasant St., Sturgis, Mich. The Rev. Jeanne Koughn and Pastor Bob Keim will officiate. Burial of the ashes will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Mich., Nov. 24 at 2: 30 p. m. where full military honors will be conferred by the Fort Custer Honor Guard and the U. S. Navy Honor Guard.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Kesler’s memory consider the USO ( P.O. Box 96860 Washington, DC 20077) or Camp Fort Hill ( Sturgis Community Foundation 310 N. Franks Ave, Sturgis, Mich.) The obituary is also at www. hackmanfamilyfuneralhome. com where personal messages of support may be left for the family.
