Robert R. Kerstetter

Robert Richard Kerstetter, age 81, passed away on June 23, 2026, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Mishawaka. He was born on September 10, 1944, in Toledo, Ohio, to the late Bland and Roberta (Roberts) Kerstetter.

Robert enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1965, attaining the rank of Sergeant and serving honorably until his discharge in 1969. While serving his country in England, he met and married Wendy Shellard in 1967, and together they celebrated 59 years of marriage.

Following his military service, Robert worked for Clyde E. Williams & Associates, Inc. of South Bend before building a career as an insurance agent with American Family Insurance, earning the trust, respect, and friendship of his clients over the years.

An active man throughout his life, Robert enjoyed staying fit and could often be found at the gym several days each week. He was also a lifelong sports enthusiast and, remarkably, was still playing softball at the age of 81 with the Mid America Senior Softball League.

Robert had a passion for British sports cars and was a longtime member of the Michiana Brits Car Club. He proudly owned a British MGB affectionately named "Jezebel" and enjoyed participating in area car shows and events. Some of his favorite moments were simple drives through the backroads of Indiana with Wendy and “Jezebel,” with no particular destination in mind.

Most of all, Robert loved his family. He especially enjoyed time spent with his grandchildren, who brought him great pride and joy. He was outspoken and could come across as tough on the outside, but those who knew him best understood the kindness, generosity, and compassion behind that exterior. He was always willing to lend a hand and help someone in need.

Wendy survives, along with their sons, Justin Kerstetter and his wife Kari Ann of Dyer, Indiana, and Jarad Kerstetter and his wife Shalee of Elkhart. Also surviving are his beloved grandchildren, Jillian Kerstetter and Gavin Kerstetter. Robert is further survived by his siblings, Ninette Pietri of Toledo, Ohio, Douglas Kerstetter of Brookfield, Wisconsin, and Bill Kerstetter of Fennville, Michigan. He was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Ann Roberts, and his brother, Larry Kerstetter.

A time of visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at Cruz Family Funeral Home in Osceola, with military honors to follow at 7 p.m. There will also be one hour of visitation prior to the Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 11:00 am at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Mishawaka, where Robert was a longtime member.

In his memory, donations may be made to Riley’s Hospital for Children. To light a virtual candle, share a story of Robert’s life, or leave a message of comfort for his family, please follow the links provided on the Guestbook tab above.

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