Henry "Hank" William Kartes

Henry William Kartes, affectionately known as Hank to his friends and family, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday April 27, 2025, at the age of 78, in Norton Shores, MI, after a long bout with cancer that, frankly, didn't stand a chance at dampening his wicked sense of humor. Born on August 14, 1946, in Muskegon, MI, Hank's life was a masterclass in laughter, love, and the art of a well-placed joke. Hank was preceded in death by his Great-Grandson Ronin Hunter.

A proud veteran, Hank served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, an experience that no doubt contributed to his lifelong resilience and his ability to tell a story that could command the attention of any room. After returning from service, he pursued a degree in Business Administration from Western Michigan University, a feat he achieved with the discipline of a marine and the mischief of a college student.

Professionally, Hank was known for his dedication as a protector of children's welfare with the State of Michigan's Children's Protection Agency, and he was equally skilled with his hands as a machinist at Bron Machine. But let's be honest, Hank's true calling was being the life of any party and the unofficial family comedian.

Hank's heart belonged to the love of his life, Mary Lynn Kartes, and together they navigated the rollercoaster of life with laughter as their safety harness. His legacy includes his children, Jacqueline Vogelzang (Douglas), James Bastiaanse, Shawn Kartes (Elizabeth), Daniel Bastiaanse, Jennifer Carrier (Douglas), and Bhree Kartes, who all inherited his quick wit and indomitable spirit in various degrees.

His grandchildren, Brynn Soles, Destiny Mathews (Kenneth), Maxwell Synha (Lorisa), Adrian Carrier (Rachel), Ryan Lee Gallegos Jr (Teairra), Jennifer Symons (Tyler), Elliott Bastiaanse, Austin Kartes, Jayden Gallegos, and Ella Kartes, knew him as the grandpa who loved watching their games and seeing them grow up. The great-grandchildren, Ayden Tebar, Audriyana Tebar, Kaidan Lyons, Zi'Aryha Elijah, Araeya Lyons, Serenity Gallegos, Cartier Elijah, Esme` Gallegos, Theo Synha, Maisley Gallegos, and Myles Carrier, were lucky to experience his legendary bear hugs and the twinkle in his eye as he plotted his next playful prank.

Hank is survived by 8 brothers and sisters. Leslie (Richard) Sherman, Joan (Vern) Scott, Patricia TerVeer, Drake (Kathy) Kartes, Sydney Emigh, Gary (Jan) Kartes, Terry (Marilyn) Kartes, Shelley (Ken) Lott.

Hank's love for gambling was only rivaled by his passion for his Detroit Lions; he was a One Pride man through and through, even when they tested his patience, which was more often than not. His happiest moments involved spending time with his family, especially going out to dinner with his beloved Mary, where he was the unparalleled champion of making even the mundane magical.

As the curtains close on the final act of Hank's extraordinary life, it's clear that the world has lost a rare gem—a man who could find the funny in the frustrating, the silly in the serious, and the comic in the cosmic. While the Detroit Lions may have lost their most hopeful fan, heaven has gained a heavenly humorist. Henry William Kartes, Hank, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, marine, machinist, protector, gambler, Lions fan, and forever the funniest guy in the room, you will be missed profoundly, and your punchlines will resonate in our laughter forevermore.