Robert E. Lee Ketner

Robert E. Lee Ketner, age 80, passed away in his classic car on the way to a car show “doing what he loved most” on Monday, June 26, 2017. He was actually pronounced at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. Robert was a Machine Operator at Dodge Manufacturing for 22 years. He enjoyed classic cars.

Robert was born on July 3, 1936 in Hood, TX to John and Jewel Jennie (King) Ketner. He was married on August 27, 1975 in Rockwall, TX to Josephine Lacopo Ketner, who preceded Robert in death on September 7, 2004. Robert is survived by his daughters Dian Hertel of Mishawaka, IN, Sharon (Joe) Mahone of Mishawaka, and Tonnie L. (James Bogash) Sanders of Chandler, AZ; son James (Crystal) Copenhaver of Grandberry, TX; thirteen grandchildren; twenty three great grandchildren; sister Penny (Shirley) Park of Mesquite, TX; and brothers Thomas Ketner of Mesquite, Clarence Ketner of Dallas, TX, and Wilford “Bill” Ketner of McKinney, TX. Robert was preceded in death by his brothers Kenneth Ketner and Lawrence Ketner, sister Ruth Lacy, parents, and wife Josephine.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, July 1, 2017 at Palmer Funeral Home River Park Chapel, 2528 Mishawaka Ave., South Bend, IN 46615. Pastor Bob Vale will officiate. Friends may visit with the family from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM on Saturday prior to the service, and burial will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Osceola, IN. Memorial contributions to the Ketner family may be made to the National Kidney Foundation of Indiana, 911 E. 86th St. Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46240. Palmer Funeral Homes River Park is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com. 

 Service Information