William O. "Turnpike Bill" Kesterke, Sr., 78, Pipe Loader

Born July 10, 1924 at St. Joseph, Michigan, he moved to Lorain in 1953. Prior to that he lived in Uniontown, PA. He attended St. Joseph High School, Michigan.

He served in the United States Navy as Seaman 2nd class during World War II.

"Ollie" was a pipe loader in the outside shipping department at Lorain Works US Steel for 32 years, retiring in 1986. Prior to that he was an inspector for Ford Motor Plant in Brookpark in Brookpark and co-owner with his wife of the Chat 'n' Chew Restaurant, Lorain.

He was a member of the Untied Steel Workers Union Local 1104.

He enjoyed fishing, classic movies, the outdoors, playing pool, his family and boxing, which afforded him the title of Pacific Fleet Light Middle Weight Champion and State of Michigan Golden Gloves Champion.

He is survived by his spouse of 57 years: Martha (nee Marks), 2 sons: William O. Jr. of Lorain, Charles of Elyria, 3 daughters: Judy Makuch of Vermilion, Joan Kaniaris, of Columbus and Cheryl Gyorfi of Lorain, 18 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents: William and Marie (nee Cermich) and brother Frank.

Private services for the family were held in the Dovin Funeral Home, 2701 Elyria Avenue, Lorain.