Obituary of Wilbur Kettinger

Wilbur Harold Kettinger July 30, 1926 - April 25, 2008 Wilbur H. Kettinger, age 81, of Monroe passed away Friday morning at 2:52am at the Mercy Memorial Nursing Center. He was under the care of Mercy Memorial Hospice. Wilbur was born on July 30, 1926 to the union of Harold Kettinger and Clara Matthes. He attended Zion Lutheran Elementary School and then attended Monroe High School from which he graduated in 1944. While attending Monroe, Wilbur was a member of the Model Airplane Club. Wilbur served the United States admirably in the Air Force from 1945 until 1947. He worked as a radio operator. After his discharge from the service, Wilbur worked for Reva Lution Airlines in the late 1940's while living in Alaska. His work which he truly enjoyed involved testing aircrafts. Much of this work involved the DC-3's a plane that he was particularly fond of. After returning to Michigan, he attended classes at Eastern Michigan University on the GI Bill. For twenty-two years Wilbur worked for Great Lakes Steel. He worked in their Heat Treat Department and retired in 1988. He was a lifetime member of the Monroe Boat Club. Wilbur was also an avid golfer and was a member of the Dundee Golf Club. Wilbur leaves to cherish his memory; a sister: Viola and Ray Vanisacker of Monroe, a brother: Clarence and Helen Kettinger of Florida, many nieces and nephews, and his beloved dog friends: Kit-Kat and Rascal. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother: Otto Kettinger at birth, and a sister: Bernice Longworth. A Private Celebration of Life was held on Saturday, April 26, 2008. Burial followed in Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Monroe. Graveside services were under the Auspices of Monroe Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1138. Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street, Frenchtown Township, (734) 384-5185 was entrusted with his arrangements. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial donations be made to Mercy Memorial Hospice.