Charles J. Kehres

Charles J. (Bud) Kehres passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 30, 2021. He was 103 years old, just shy of his 104th birthday, born on February 17, 1918 in Defiance, Ohio to Leo and Leonora Kehres. He attended St. James Elementary and Central Catholic High School. He served in the US navy during WWII in the Lighter-Than-Air Corp (he flew blimps) as a crew chief, escorting tanker caravans along the East coast to South America. After the war, he returned to Defiance and married Elizabeth (Betty) Seibert on May 22, 1946 and they were married 54 years before Betty passed away in 2000. They raised seven children who all attended Blessed Sacrament. They were both very active in the church and school where he was a member for over 65 years. He belonged to the Holy Name Society and was a past president of the Parents Association. He also coached many boys' basketball teams and everyone wanted to play for Mr. Kehres because he always let everyone play. He especially enjoyed being in the church choir, but loved being in the parish musicals where he could sing, dance and entertain everyone. He was an excellent bowler and once bowled a perfect 300 game before they became popular. He also enjoyed golf and was on the Blessed Sacrament golf league for many years. He was able to golf until he was 101, but unfortunately never achieved his goal of a hole-in-one. He volunteered for many years at St. Vincent Hospital where he was a friend to everyone and was voted Volunteer of the Year. He was loved and respected by all who met him and he became your friend for life. His secret to longevity was walking and whistling to work every day and, of course a shot of whiskey or a glass of beer every day. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty, his parents, siblings, Fr. John, Fr. Paul William, Fredrick, Rita, Elizabeth and Theresa; son-in-law, Mike Schramm and special friend Delores Bauerschmidt. He is survived by his children, Steve, Mike (Kim), Phil (Ted), Mary, Lori, John (Geni) and Jenny, 8 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Family and friends are invited to visit on Friday, January 7, 2022 from 3:00pm – 8:00pm at Ansberg-West Funeral Home, 3000 W. Sylvania Ave., where a rosary will begin at 7:00pm. Visitation will also be held Saturday, January 8, 2022 from 10:00am – 11:00am at Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 2240 Castlewood Dr., where a Mass of the Resurrection will begin at 11:00am. *** Masks are required for visitation and funeral mass***. Interment and military honors will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Most Blessed Sacrament Parish.

Charles J. Kehres

February 17, 1918 - December 30, 2021