Ellen Kesterke Obituary

Ellen Kesterke, 98, of St. Joseph, MI passed away Monday, June 24, 2024 at Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph.

A Graveside Service was held at Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph. Memorials may be made to Caring Circle Hospice. Those wishing to share a memory of Ellen online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com

Ellen was born June 10, 1926 in Benton Harbor, MI to James & Pearl (Heminger) Gulliver. She graduated from Benton Harbor High School. On February 15, 1947 she married Frank Kesterke. Ellen was a homemaker and enjoyed raising her family. She also enjoyed bowling, crocheting, traveling and loved watching the Detroit Tigers and University of Michigan Football.

Ellen is survived by her daughter Diane (Ken) Bates; grandchildren Beckey (Perry) Ballard, Beth (Joe) Chen, Karen (Paul) Adams, Heather (Andy) Steinbrook, Cindy Kesterke and James Kesterke; great grandchildren Hunter, Tyler, Caden, Dylon, Jackson, Anton, Charlie, Beckett, Alina, Kendall, Ace and Sydney; and sister Betty Bicanich. Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son James Kesterke, brother James “Red” Gulliver and sister Margaret Haskins.