William Ketchum

William H. Ketchum, 74 of Mesick died Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at Munson Medical Center surrounded by his family and friends.

Bill Ketchum was the most loving and generous man God created to walk this earth. If anyone needed a helping hand, be it physically or financially, and he could, Bill would be there. Bill was a man who lived his faith! Anyone who knew him would agree. Bill was a wonderful, kind, loving husband to his wife and fur babies.

Ursula writes, “Bill was my best friend and soulmate. What we shared was unique and special. He always knew how to make me laugh. Bill’s primary concern was always, am I okay! I would always tell him, “Bill I’m good!” We took every opportunity to live life the fullest in these last years. We were Blessed to be able to do that! I’ve lost a man who brought more love and joy than a heart could hold in a lifetime. These treasured memories are held deep in the chambers of my heart. They will be there forever until we are together again.”

Bill retired from DTE as an accomplished electrical engineer. Bill dedicated just under 40 years to DTE. He would have stayed that extra year, but did not want to do another winter outside! Do you blame him? It is cold in Detroit! While at DTE his commitment, leadership skills, mentoring and coaching were evident as a Primary Service Rep. Bill always encouraged all around him to be strong. He was respected and well-liked by his colleagues, clients and general contractors that he worked with.

Bill served in the United States Air Force. He was a member of the American Legion, and the AMVETS. He was a volunteer Driver for Veteran Administration in Traverse City. Bill enjoyed helping those in need. Bill would pick up veterans in Traverse City and drive them to Saginaw, Detroit and Ann Arbor and back home for their medical appointments. He would talk to them, share his Life Stories and listen to theirs. He was so proud to be able to help those in need

Bill would often pay for lunch for our Military men and women. If he saw a booth with people in uniform, he would stop their waitress and pay their tab. Being a humble man, he never bragged about this. Being in the USAF himself, as a young man, he knew they did not have much spare money.

He also supported the National Cancer Society. Bill volunteered to speak to others about his experience with Cancer, not giving up, and staying positive throughout treatment. To the end Bill never gave up on himself. He continued to fight.

He loved his best buds, Chumley and Flo, his pups. Bill would often say “The more people I meet the more I love my dogs!” Chumley spent two years in training to obtain his second level AKC Good Citizenship award. Bill loved to take Chumley to nursing homes and to Belle Isle when the seniors would be on day trips. He and Chumley would meet them and spend a few hours talking. Chumley loved the attention and visiting.

Bill loved the freedom of the road and traveling. He and his friends would get on their motorcycle and take trips. One year, in January, a few of them hopped on their motorcycles and headed to Niagara Falls for lunch, to a Casino and then headed home.

He loved life to the fullest, loved his family and friends. He always had a smile and was certain to have a good laugh with people.

He often said to his wife, Hey, did I tell you I love you today? No, I love you today and every day!

Anyone who was fortunate enough to have Bill as a friend knows this. No explanation required or desired! Rest in the arms of your heavenly Father Bill. You are home. No longer to suffer, but to rest in Peace.

He was dearly loved and will be deeply missed by family and friends.

Bill is survived by his wife and fur babies, Chumley and Flo.

He is preceded in death by his mother, father and stepmother and a half-brother.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Home-Fur-Ever Rescue in Detroit. His last four pups came from Home-Fur-Ever Rescue. He enjoyed volunteering at adoption events and fostering dogs. Although he had to be careful as a foster, not to fall in love with them, that is how Bill and Ursula ended up with Flo. Contributions may also be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Cherryland Humane Society, Traverse City, Michigan.

A Celebration of life will be held 1pm to 4pm, Saturday, October 19, 2024 at the American Legion Post 14, 1340 W. Maple Rd. Troy, Michigan 48084. A Military Funeral Honors Ceremony will be held at 2pm.

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