Luke Russell Kartes, age 17, passed away unexpectedly in an ATV accident on Sunday, October 23, 2022, in West Branch, MI. He was born on August 3, 2005, in Rockford, IL to Scott and Joanna (Pugh) Kartes.
Luke was a junior at Ogemaw Heights High School. He was involved in Ogemaw Angelfish at a young age and swam on the OHHS Varsity swim team. He was president of Skills USA and inducted into the National Honor Society. Luke was in machines class and enjoyed the time he spent in the shop at school. He was a great worker at the family business, Dairy Queen, in West Branch and enjoyed country music and four wheeling with his friends.
Luke was a wonderful son. He was smart, intelligent, funny, joyful, empathetic, mechanical, great with computers, a generous soul, and had a huge heart. He would do anything for anyone and was a friend to all. He brightened everyone’s day just by being there.
Luke is survived by his parents, Scott and Joanna Kartes of West Branch; siblings Josh Kartes of Las Vegas, NV, Jordan Kartes of Ann Arbor, MI, and Sam (Colin Stahl) Kartes of West Branch; grandparents Larry and Mary Kartes of West Branch and Mike and Ellen Pugh of West Branch; great grandpa Robert Kartes of West Branch; aunts and uncles Jacqui (Brian) Ratliff of Battle Creek, MI, Julee (Bryan) Wilcox of Morley, MI, Brenda (Mark) Szach of Prudenville, MI, Kent Kartes of Alger, MI and Jock (Val Wangler) Kartes of Alger; and many great aunts, great uncles and cousins. He is also survived by his second family Kyle and Courtney Sisco, Jake and Tyler Sisco, and best friend Ike Sisco all of West Branch.
He was preceded in death by his great grandparents Margaret Kartes, Bob and Wanda Reilly, Mary and Millard Pugh, Les and Rowene Snyder and great uncle Dan McClure.
Visitation at Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch will be held on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Thursday, October 27, 2022, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held at the First United Methodist Church in West Branch on Friday, October 28, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. with visitation starting at 9:30 a.m. Pastor Michelle Forsyth will officiate. Burial will be at Edwards Township Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Luke Kartes Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Online condolences can be shared at www.steuernolmclaren.com
