Karl Thomas “Pete” Kettelhut

Karl Thomas “Pete” Kettelhut, 94, passed away peacefully surrounded by his children on May 5, 2025, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was born at Home Hospital on November 13, 1930, in Lafayette, Indiana; a son of the late Karl and Marietta Kettelhut.

Pete attended West Lafayette public schools and then attended the University of New Mexico (1948-1949), Northwestern University (1949-1952, business) and Michigan State University (1954-1957, civil engineering).

On December 29, 1954, he married his beloved Susanne Elizabeth (Winkler) Kettelhut. She preceded him in death on February 21, 2020.

He served in the United States Naval Reserve from September 1948-August 1961. Pete served his country for two years (January 1953-July 1954) during the Korean War as an Assistant Supply Officer/Finance Officer on the USS Edisto icebreaker, crossing the equator three times and the Arctic Circle too many times to count.

He worked in the construction industry which included 7 years (December 1977-April 1983) in Saudi Arabia employed by Aramco as a construction engineer.

Pete and his wife Sue enjoyed traveling the globe, with his favorite trips being Australia and cruising the Danube River.

He cherished his childhood memories at his family’s cottage in Pentwater, Michigan, and over the years often went back to Thursday night summer Civic Band concerts held at the Pentwater Village Green. He also enjoyed the times spent with his wife and children at their cottage in Grand Haven.

Pete was a voracious reader and loved to read his New York Times front to back every day. He read about many topics and even indulged in Nicolas Sparks novels. Quirky, thoughtful, and kind, he could remember almost any date or fact. Family and residents at his retirement community remember him for his friendliness and positive outlook. He felt very fortunate to have lived the life that he did and rarely complained. He frequently would say, “I’m a happy camper.”

Survivors include his five children -- Karen (David) Reifler, Kurt (Mary Ellen) Kettelhut, Eric (Louisa) Kettelhut, Ann (David) Noe, and Mark (Amber) Kettelhut; twelve grandchildren -- Karl (Hattie), Kettelhut, Sarah (Brook) Botbyl, Ryan, Connor, and Kara Genther, Kara (Nate) Hunt, Kelsey, Molly, Elisa and Anabelle Kettelhut, Jane and Henry Kettelhut; three great-grandchildren – Karl and Evie Kettelhut and Ryne Hunt; sister Mary Ann Combs of Austin, Texas; and nieces and nephews.

Private graveside services will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery, 935 East Washington Street, in Lebanon, Indiana. Myers Mortuary has been entrusted with his arrangements for burial.