Dr. Robert Kettunen

Dr. Robert C. Kettunen M.D. passed away at Meadow Brook Medical Care Facility on Sat. Sept. 5, 2009 with his wife and family members at his side. The family would like to thank the staff at Meadow Brook for providing him with excellent and compassionate care, with a big hug to Garnet Grody who took such special care of him and could always get him to smile. Bob was born in Lansing, on Sept. 10, 1929, the son of the late Arne and Ruth (Creswell) Kettunen. Raised in East Lansing, he graduated from MSU in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science degree. While in college he met Martha Gibbs. They married in 1952 and she has been his loving wife for 56 years. After graduating from MSU, he entered the US Army and served his country as a combat tank platoon leader in Korea. While in Korea he earned the rank of 1st Lt. and was awarded the Bronze Star medal. He entered U of M medical School in 1954, graduating in 1958. After interning in Grand Rapids, general surgery residency in Marshfield, WI and Urology residency at the University of Kansas Medical Center, he began his private practice of Urology in Kalamazoo, in 1963. Professional affiliations include the Kalamazoo Academy of Medicine where he served a term as president. He was a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a member of the American Urology Assoc., AMA, Michigan Medical Society, American Academy of Physicians and Surgeons, and the Southwestern Michigan Surgical Society. Bob lived his life to the fullest. When younger, he loved to play tennis and was an avid sailor. He loved to race his 210 sail boat at the family cottage on Gull Lake, near Kalamazoo. Many times he and Marty would go out for a moonlight sail only to become becalmed and rescued by their sons, arriving in the speed boat to tow them home. He was an avid skier and many Christmas' were spent with his family skiing in the Rockies. He was also a "wanna be" farmer. He had a farm near Kalamazoo and was never happier than when driving his tractor on hay baling day. He loved fixing things with his tools and building things with his hands. Bob retired in 1995 and he and Marty moved to Bellaire. They always loved Northern Michigan and spent many happy hours on the golf course and the ski slopes. Surviving are his wife, Marty, a sister MarJean Zegart of Mill Valley, CA, a cousin Henry Kettunen of Lansing and his five children of whom he was so very proud: Robert Gibbs (Yuko) of New York City, NY, Paul Andrew of Southfield, John Thomas of Denver, CO, Eric (Ingrid) of Greenbrae, CA, Kathryn Kettunen Stempin (Carl) of Seattle, WA and his two wonderful grandchildren Anders and Annika Kettunen of Greenbrae, CA. Bob's passing has left a huge void in all our lives and we will love and miss him always. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be directed to the Michigan 4H Foundations, to support the Kettunen Center, 240 Spartan Way, East Lansing, MI 48824-6005. The family will receive friends Wednesday, Sept. 9, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. A private family burial will take place in Eldred Cemetery, Kearney Twp. with son John ministering. Please sign our online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com