Byron R. Kartes, age 82 of Hesperia, passed away Thursday, February 18, 2010 at the Newaygo Medical Care Facility in Fremont following a short illness. Byron was born on May 30, 1927 in Muskegon to Bernard and Florence (Bisson) Kartes and moved to the Hesperia area in 1951 from Muskegon. Byron had worked at the Gerber Products Company in Fremont for 25 years when he retired and then became a self employed contractor and sign painter in the area for many years. Byron joined the United States Army at the age of 16 and served during World War II in occupied Japan and was former Commander of the Hesperia V.F.W. Byron was an active member of Christ The King Catholic Church in Hesperia where he volunteered his time for many years in various activities. Byron enjoyed woodworking, hobby trains, making wooden toys and visiting with his many friends sharing a cup of coffee. He is survived by his children, Melanie (Stanley) Jensen of Bitely; Sue Schondelmayer of White Cloud; Roxanne (Scott) Wilkinson of Hesperia; Linda (Gerry) Trumper of Manchester, Tennessee; Bruce Kartes of Hesperia; Mark (Joni) Kartes of Norton Shores; 15 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; 10 nieces and nephews; special cousin, Kathy (Jerry) Stratton of Hesperia. Byron was preceded in death by his daughter, Debra Frees on April 24, 2004; his former wife, Evelyn Kartes on January 18, 2003; brothers, John Henry Jack Kartes and Bernard Kartes; his son-in-law, John Schondelmayer on June 12, 2006. VISITATION : Sunday 5-7:30pm at Crandell Funeral Home Fremont Chapel. ROSARY SERVICES : Sunday at 7:30 at the funeral home. MASS OF RESURRECTION : Monday, February 22, 2010 at 11am at Christ The King Catholic Church in Hesperia with Rev. Father Roc Majalla presiding. INTERMENT : Christ The King Catholic Cemetery in Hesperia. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS : American Cancer Society. Friends may send a condolence or share a memory with the Kartes family online at www.crandellfh.com.