WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Kevin R. Waltke, age 58, of Sturgis, passed away on Monday, August 18, 2025, at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo.
He was born on May 24, 1967 in Coldwater to Joyce (Cooper) Waltke and H. Keith Waltke.
Kevin grew up in Sturgis, attending Congress Elementary and Sturgis Middle School, and graduated from Sturgis High School with the Class of 1986. During his school years, he worked at the A & W Root Beer Stand until its closing and alongside his father at Sturgis Glass Company.
Kevin built a career in customer service and quality inspection, including positions as Service Manager at Patriot Homes (1999–2005), Customer Service Coordinator at Four Seasons Housing (2005–2007), Quality Inspector at Quantum (2008–2011), and with Morgan Olsen from 2011 until 2025, where he worked as a Manufacturing Engineer specializing in Time Study.
Education was important to him, and in 2004 he earned an Associate of Applied Science in Business from Glen Oaks Community College in Centreville, where he graduated with a 3.4 GPA and Honor Roll recognition. In 2012, he completed a Certificate of Time Study from the Industrial Time Study Institute.
Kevin was proud of his hometown and served his community in many ways. He was a member of the Bronson Free Masons Mystic Lodge #141, the Sturgis Historical Society, Trinity Lutheran Church, and Eagles Lodge #1314. Like his father, he served on committees for the City of Sturgis. He was also an avid fan of the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Lions, a lover of books, art, photography, music, concerts, and movies, and enjoyed cooking, often without a recipe.
Kevin was preceded in death by his parents; two aunts, Lois (William) Farness and Grace (Barry) Miller; one uncle, Gaylord Hill (Vickie) as well as his grandparents, great-aunts, and great-uncles.
Surviving are his sisters, Julie (Brian) Hoggatt of Middlebury, and Kimberly (Earl) Arthur of San Antonio, Texas; stepmother, Judy Waltke of Sturgis; stepsister, Jennifer Kelly of Indianapolis; niece, Ireland Hoggatt (16) of Middlebury, who was the apple of his eye; two nephews, Benjamin and Kenneth Arthur both of Richland, Washington, who gave him four great-nieces and nephews; many cousins; and numerous dear friends.
Kevin will be remembered for his kindness, loyalty, and love for family, friends, and community. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Thursday, August 21st and 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. Saturday, August 23rd at Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St. in Sturgis. Funeral and Masonic memorial services will immediately follow the visitation on Saturday at 12:00. In honoring Kevin’s wishes, cremation will follow the services. A continued time of fellowship and celebrating Kevin’s life will follow the service at the Sturgis Masonic Lodge
The family suggests memorial donations be directed to Sturgis Historical Society, or Bronson Free Masons Mystic Lodge #141.
We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
