Date Of Birth: December 23, 1931
Date Of Death: January 12, 2009
John L. Kertesz, 77, passed away January 12, 2009 of heart disease. He was born December 23, 1931 in New York City. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Prior to and following his military service he worked for Ford Motor Company in Chicago, Illinois where he met his first wife Mary Alice Van Hook. They moved to Indianapolis, Indiana where he worked for Chevrolet Truck and Body Plant for 37 years retiring in 1997. For many years he was a member of the Indy 500 motorcycle club and enjoyed riding his custom Harley with fellow club members.He is survived by sisters Carol and Rosemary, daughters Glenda Lindsay and Joni Sterrett, sons Ken and John Kertesz, stepsons, Jimmy Ray and Mike Thomas, 18 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, his first wife Mary Alice Van Hook and his second wife Eileen V. Bennett.Services will be held Thursday, January 15 at Harry W. Moore Funeral Care, 8151 Allisonville Rd, Indianapolis at 7:00 p.m. with visitation starting at 5 until time of service.
Patty Hagerty says
Nichole my prayers are with you and your family. If there is anything I can do, please let me know.
Lana and Larry Hale and Kathy Ed Hedge and family says
We are very sorry for your loss.
He was a kind and caring man.
Billie Smith says
I am a dealer at Dear Johns Pub where we had many opportunities to play Texas Holdem with John.
He will be greatly missed and I want to offer my deepest sympathy to all of his family.
Dewayne Harris says
Nichole,
Times like this are never easy, but always know that your Grandpa is in a much better place, a beautiful place, where his spirit will live forever. My heart goes out to you, and I’ll always be here for you and your family.
Cherie says
To my sister and her family: my expression of grief is for all of you and is truly genuine. Please know, my love and support is always here. I know every one of you share the sentiments as I, in knowing we were blessed with the privilege of having your father touch our lives in so many different ways.
Just know our Lord knows how to give to you completely in what you truly need. He will guide you and provide his hand to each one of you in offering what is best to lead you through this difficult period. I pray for strength to help ease the pain and see you through this saddness. When you need additional arms to hold you, know that I am here.
Dear Lord, Thank you for the gift of memory, which allows us all to hold close to our hearts and minds the ones we love, even after they are with you.
Thank-you John… for being you; and thank you for your wonderful children who were brought into my life. This is a living gift to all who know each and every one of them.
I will miss and love you forever.
Your adopted daughter and Colts buddy…Cherie
Joni says
Daddy: I can’t find the words to say how sad I am that your presence is gone from my life. Daddy’s are not supposed to leave their little girls, yet I am happy for you that you are with the love of your life that you missed so terribly. I will always miss you and I know that the sadness will fade somewhat, but right now I am being selfish and want you here. It is funny how we do not realize the effect someone has on our life until they are gone. My every move seems different. I don’t know who to call at 5:00 now so instead I will think of you every day for the rest of my life at that time and know that you are thinking of me as well. I know that we will see each other again with our father in heaven and that right now Eileen has her precious arms around you. I will love and think of you always. Your baby girl, Joni
Camille France says
Grandpa,
Thank you for coming to see us every year, even though we always lived far away. I remember, even when I was little, being so excited when I knew you and Grandma were on your way to our house. I liked playing games with you because you were so competitive. It was so funny to me how you would get so mad when you would loose. I miss you, and your visits. Every time I use the bread mixer you gave me I will think of you.
Love Always,
Camille
Susan Kertesz says
I wish I could give you all a big hug! Just remember the reason we are all sad is because we loved. And we wouldn’t have missed that even if it does hurt. Love existed before the earth was created and it will continue to exist long after it is gone. Our love for him and his love for us contiues on. Death cannot stop it. “Weeping may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning.” It will most surely come. Just as we are sad now because we loved, our joy then will be full because we now feel sorrow. In the meantime we’ll love each other. Joni it’s great to think of your Dad at 5:00p.m. Then feel free to call me at 5:15p.m. or whenever you feel like it. God bless you all. Love Susan
jason sterrett says
John was my grandpa, and he was the type of guy that when he entered the room you knew he was there. He was a very outgoing and fun person to be around. He was also not afraid to speak his mind, which was one of his better qualities, because he wouldn’t let you do something he thought was wrong without saying his piece. I’m glad he is in a better place, although I wish he was still here. Grandpa I love you very, very much, give grandma a kiss for me.
Goodbye
Jason
(Your loving grandson)
Pogo Wray says
I have many fond memories of john…..during the mid/late 1960’s….harboring me from my evil step father. Always feeding me! I found love and compassion with the Kertesz family……John was a loving father and a great! man! He had a zest for life! No matter what his situation was …He was always positive! .I have learned many positive behaviors from John in which has help shape me into the man I have become today! I am forever grateful!
Respectfully,
Pogo Wray………..
Glenda Lindsay says
I Remember:
Dad helping me with my fire batons
Dad never condemning me for my poor choices
Dad loving and accepting me as his own
Dad and Eileen taking me to Utah to visit John’s family
Dad taking me to Wyoming
Dad being there the last 3 years to put my broken life back together
Dad’s generosity, kindness
Our last dinner with Dad as a family
Dad’s acceptance, courage and peace as he faced his final days
Yes John he is our HERO!!!
Amy Outland and Chris Janota says
I am so sorry to hear about John, Elvis, as us at Dear John’s would call him. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.