Kathy Keltsch

Mrs. Kathy L. Keltsch, age 74, passed away Sunday, March 26, 2023, in Kalamazoo, MI.

Mrs. Keltsch was born in Hastings, MI on March 24, 1949 to Kenneth Williams Sears and Arlou Alma (Wilcox). She was raised in Irving and attended Thornapple Kellogg High School in Middleville, graduating June 1, 1967.

Kathy was employed at Keeler Brass in Middleville from 1967 – 1968 before being hired at Hastings Manufacturing Company where she worked until her retirement on January 22, 2004, after 35 ½ years of service.

She was happily married to Terry L. Keltsch on November 22, 1993, in Allegan, MI, and enjoyed taking on the role of Stepmother to his two boys, Ronald and Duane.

In her spare time Kathy was very artistically talented and she lovingly made gifts for friends and family on many occasions. Whether it was a sweatshirt with a specifically designed cross-stitch pattern, a macrame chair with a college emblem, or crocheting an entire Barbie Chalet out of yarn complete with furniture for every room, snowmobiles for outdoor fun, and multiple outfits for Barbie and all her friends.

Kathy was also a big supporter of Terry & Duane’s passion for racing including attending swap meets, creating one of a kind apparel, and being Duane’s #1 Fan in the stands as he drove around the Kalamazoo Speedway. She also enjoyed sitting in the bleachers to cheer on Ron as he coached her grandson, Dustin, in Soccer for many years and lovingly watched her granddaughter, Ashley, dancing in her recitals. Kathy was also a fixture at many of their other sporting events, making sure to take lots of pictures to create photo albums that document her never-ending love for her family that we will enjoy for many years to come.

During her retirement, Kathy spent countless hours researching family history for her own family trees and limbs, as well as for the boys, and even her daughter-in-law. This brought her peace and comfort as well as a sense of purpose.

Kathy was preceded in death by her husband, Terry, parents Kenneth and Arlou, her stepfather, Franklin Richter, and nephews Jason Stefanski and Ayden Cardinel.

She is survived by her stepsons, Ronald (Sheila) Keltsch and Duane Keltsch, both of Kalamazoo; grandchildren Dustin and Ashley Keltsch, both of Kalamazoo; brother Kim (Susan) Sears of Rockford, MI; nieces Nikole (Kyle) Warner, Ashlie (Josh) Cardinel, and Jordan (Justin) Katerberg; nephews Joseph (Elizabeth) Stefanski, Jerimiah (Amber) Stefanski, and Joshua Stefanski; stepsiblings Kenneth (Claudia) Richter of Florida, Johnny Richter of Arkansas, and Debra Price of Hastings, MI; and eight great nieces and nephews.