Obituary of Henry J. Ketch

Henry J. Ketch, age 86 of Ransomville, died Wednesday March 1, 2017 at his residence under the loving care of his family and Niagara Hospice. Henry was born March 19, 1930 in the Town of Wheatfield, NY, the son of the late Joseph and Helen (Zublit) Ketch. He was an U.S. Army Veteran of Korean War serving from March of 1951 to his honorable discharge with the rank of Sergeant in March of 1953. Henry married Helen I. (Banach) Ketch on November 27, 1954 and they had resided in Ransomville since 1963. Henry was an Operating Engineer with Local #463 in Lockport from 1956 to his retirement in 1988. He was a member of American Legion O. Leo Curtiss Post # 830 in Ransomville. He enjoyed racing, restoring tractors, farming, family, and gaming at the casinos. His wife, Helen, predeceased him in 2003. He is survived by his children, Bernice Miller, Susan (Paul) Hurtgam, and Henry J. (Tammy) Ketch, Jr. all of Ransomville; his grandchildren, Brett, Kyle (Lori), and Paula Hurtgam, Christopher Ketch, and Samantha (Rob) Hillman; three great grandchildren, Arnen and Alina Hurtgam, and Paisley Hillman; a brother, Peter (Patricia) Ketch of Appleton, NY; a sister in law, Josephine Ketch of Sun City, AZ; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by a brother, Walter Ketch; five half brothers, John, Steve, Victor, Joseph, and Marvin Ketch; a half sister, Virginia Fura; and two step sisters, Jean Marchuck and Dorothy Mietlicki. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, March 4, at 10:00 am in St. Bernard RC Church, Second & Hinman Streets, Youngstown, with the Rev. Msgr. David G. LiPuma officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Holy Trinity Cemetery, Lewiston. There will be no prior visitation. Memorials may be made to the Ransomville Vol. Fire Co. Ambulance Fund, PO Box 239, Ransomville, NY 14131.