SOUTH NEW BERLIN – Donald Charles Kertes, 69, died peacefully at home on Feb. 15, 2013 surrounded by his family.
He was born August 16, 1943 in Queens, NY the son of Maurice and Ruth (Plath) Kertes. Don married Edna C. Wilhelm on May 27, 1978.
Raised in New Jersey, Don moved to Otsego County and opened Kertes Welding and Fabrication. He was a well respected for his talents and creativity. Don had the ability to visualize and possessed the capability to complete projects exceeding his many loyal customers’ expectations. Don’s unique works include the custom ironwork at The Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown and The Player Village in Oneonta, custom woodwork, decorative items, and beautiful welding of unique wood stoves for the home.
Don embraced life and established long lasting friendships immediately. While it was evident that his family came first, he enjoyed many outside activities. Among the few listed here are dirt bike racing, motor cycles, his hot rod Porsche, hunting, fishing, boating on Cayuga lake, his vegetable garden, and his great love for all animals. Don was a member of the Burlington Flats Fish and Game Club where he enjoyed target shooting and reloading. All in all Don was a perfect score: 150 x15 type of guy.
His wife Edna, his children Richard Nystrom (Donna), Cynthia Delaney (Terry), and Lisa Kingsley (James); his grandchildren Richard William Nystrom II, Andrew James Nystrom, Bradley Michael Delaney, Dedra Ann Delaney, Collin Michael Delaney, Haley Ann Delaney, Matthew Cameron Kingsley, Allyson Katherine Kingsley, James Richard Kingsley and Brian Michael Kingsley survive Donald.
His parents Maurice and Ruth predeceased Donald.
Memorial services will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday at the Houk-Johnston-Terry Funeral Home in Edmeston with Pastor Barry Davis officiating. Calling hours are from 1 to 4 prior to the service on Saturday.
Contributions may be made in Donald’s memory to the James T. Wilmont Cancer Center, Strong Memorial Hospital, 601 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14642 or All Animals Matter, PO Box 369, Oxford, NY 13830
Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of the Houk-Johnston-Terry Funeral Home and condolences to the family may be left at the Houk-Johnston-Terry Funeral Home website, www.hjtfuneralhome.com.