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Charles Ketchum Obituary
Chuck was born in Holland, MI to the late Harold and Lillian (Bolthouse) Ketchum. He graduated from Holland High School in 1971 and served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. Chuck worked in the insurance industry for many years. He later owned and operated West Michigan Benefits and then merged with Lighthouse Insurance Group. Chuck was a passionate golfer and a member of the Ravines in Saugatuck, and Santa Lucia River Club in Port St. Lucie, FL. He was also a licensed pilot and enjoyed flying to Florida and other destinations.
He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Mike Fraam in 2013. Chuck is survived by his wife, Mary, of 43 years; daughter Brandy Ketchum and Clint McVoy; brother, Thomas and Eilene Ketchum; parents-in-law, Allen and Ruth Fraam; brothers and sisters-in-law, Linda and Gary Sprik, David and Kristi Fraam, Joseph and Hannah Fraam, and Bonnie Fraam; his best friend, Ken and Kathleen Massey; several nephews, nieces, and cousins.
A memorial visitation will be 2-5 p.m., Sunday, June 7, 2015 at the Dykstra Funeral Home-Mulder Chapel, 188 West 32nd Street; Holland, MI.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to, Wounded Warrior Project; PO BOX 758517 Topeka, KS 66675 or the American Lung Association, 55 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 1150, Chicago, IL 60601.
For an online registry, visit www.dykstrafuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Ketchum
Sponsored by Dykstra Funeral Homes Mulder Chapel.
John Dietrich
May 29, 2023
One of the funniest people I have ever met! I was blessed to have known him and worked with him for many years.
George Larimore
October 17, 2016
Mary
You may not remember me but I was a friend of Charlie's when we were in the Navy together. We were both n VF 103 and both from West Michigan. I ran into Charlie a couple times after we got out. Last week I had a meeting with Mike Waalkes from Lighthouse. I asked about Charlie and was told of his passing. I am so sorry for your loss.
I remember Charlie as a great guy that would help anyone who asked. I also remember is quick sense of humor and quick wit.
I belong to a group on Facebook call VF 103 Sluggers. There are a number of people that were on the 1972 West Pac cruise that are also members. People you may rem3ebr in name only like Marc Grandchamp, Charlie Kamar, George Labonty, and John Sabo. You might remember Jim and Bev Jonge. Jim passed away about the same time Charlie did. Bev has stayed on as a member. It is a good group sharing memories. If you are Facebook and are interested in joining the group I am sure you will be welcome.
After I heard about Charlie I found his obituary and posted it on the page. There are a number of comments from old friends from the squadron and Virginia Beach days.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
George Larimore
Theodore (Ted) Bolthouse
July 19, 2015
Mary and Brandy Just saw online about Charlie passing.My condolences. Mary I am Ted Bolthouse Charlie's cousin.He recruited me into the Navy in 1982. His Mom and my Dad were brother and sister. Again my condolences.
Kevin Egan
June 14, 2015
To the Ketchum family: Just learned of Chuck's passing. We are so sorry for your loss. I knew Chuck through the Insurance Industry. Our deepest condolences.
June 8, 2015
Mary & Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family at the loss of Chuck, his sweet memories will remain in your heart forever. May he RIP as I know he is, keep smiling as you know he loved you forever :) you might not remember but I was your member/member partner at the Elks and I was scared to play with you but you said try to relax it will be ok and we won and then you won 1st place in championship flight I never forget that you was a great golfer as well as Chuck he will be smiling down on you oh yes beautiful sweet memories :) Deanie & Lee Host
Susan Mason
June 8, 2015
I was a long time colleague of Chuck's and just heard of his passing. I am so sorry for your loss. He was admired by all those who ever worked with him and was a credit to our industry.
My Deepest Sympathies
Todd Burns
June 8, 2015
I send sincere sympathy to Mary and all family members on the loss of Charlie. May God give you peace and comfort
June 8, 2015
Mary.....My sympathy to you and Brandy. So sorry for your loss.
Fred VanDyke
June 7, 2015
Mary and Brandy:
We just found out today. Please accept our condolences. Chuck was one of the best.We are deeply saddened by his loss.
Bill and Martha Boetcher
June 7, 2015
Dear Mary and family,
So very sorry for your loss. God bless you all.
Rich and Flo Van Haver
Gary Sudy
June 6, 2015
Dear Mary & Brandy, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. It came as a shock to us. We have worked with Chuck since the early 80's with his insurance practice and have such fond memories of him. He was a class act. Always willing to get involved in problem solving and with his creative ability made are job much easier. He always kept his sense of humor and his belly laugh brought a smile to our face. He will be dearly missed and always remembered.
June 5, 2015
Chuck was a million laughs, and a great friend. He was one of the first people to help me get started in the benefits business. He was very proud of his family, his golf game, and pilot skills. He typically had something to say or do that would make me laugh, no matter what the circumstance. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
John Dietrich
June 5, 2015
Mary, I just wanted to let you know how sorry I am to hear of Charlie's passing. I wanted to let you know that your family is going to be lifted up in prayer by our family. May you sense God's presence and comfort as only he can give at this time.
Dawn VandenBosch
Robert Barss
June 5, 2015
Mary & family,
I first met Chuck many years ago when we both worked at B&A...a long time ago, but Chuck and his ways are simply unforgettable...I mostly remember conversations about golf and he always seemed to have a cup of coffee to go!
Chuck was indeed, one of the good guys!
rw
Dominic Siciliano
June 5, 2015
My mother was a group benefits wholesaler and Chuck was an big producer and loyal agent for her for many years. So the name Chuck Ketchum was bantered about many times in the family discussions then in sales meetings when I joined the firm. I finally got to meet him one day in his office when I first started out in the business. Based on his reputation as such a successful producer I was nervous. He couldn't have been more warm, gracious and kind to me and he was like that my entire career. In fact, I was most proud when he started calling me for answers to Blue Cross questions. It's like I had arrived. Chuck Ketchum trusted me to help his clients. He really was a great guy and I'll miss his smiling face at the annual outings and events.
Sally Williams
June 4, 2015
Mary and Brandy,
My sincere condolences to you, Charlie was a great guy! May Jesus carry you and give you strength to move forward during this difficult time.
Blessings
Dave Vanden Bosch
June 4, 2015
Chuck helped setup a self insurance program for our company in 1999 and was invaluable in helping us manage it through the years. He followed up employee concerns cutting through red tape and promptly getting answers. I also had the pleasure of playing several rounds of golf with Chuck at the Ravines and always learned something helpful through Chuck's talented game. I and those at the John A. Van Den Bosch Company will miss Chuck and we're all thankful we knew him as a friend and advisor.
Gen Sterenberg
June 4, 2015
Brandy, I am so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. My condolences to you and your family.
Jim Kenyon
June 4, 2015
I have known Charlie (I think I'm the only one who he allowed to call him that)for most of his insurance carrier. He was a kind and honest person and a good friend. I will think fondly of him and our fly-in trip to Muirfield Village. My sincere condolences Mary.
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Memorial Events
for Charles Ketchum
Jun
7
Visitation
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Dykstra Funeral Homes Mulder Chapel188 West 32nd St, Holland, MI 49423
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