Obituary of Kenneth W Tetzlaff

After a life well-lived, Ken passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Friday, August 1st, 2025 at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, one day after his 93rd birthday.

Born in Mersea Township, Ontario on July 31, 1932, Ken was the son of the late William (Bill) & Edith Emmaretta (nee Willan) Tetzlaff.

He is reunited with his wife of 66 years, Barbara Ann (nee Drummond, 2019).

Dear father to Todd (Darlene) and Terry of Chatham-Kent.

Sadly missed by Rachel Blonde (Greg), Amanda Tetzlaff (Connor Critchfield) and William (Demetria) Tetzlaff.

Proud great-grandfather ("Papa") to Norah Blonde & Lochlan Tetzlaff.

Predeceased by his brother, James Wilbur Tetzlaff (2000) and sister-in-law Cleva (1998). 

Survived by sisters-in-law Bernice (Ed) Woelk and Lavoine (late Robert) Patchett all of Leamington.

He will be missed by many nieces, nephews, extended family and his dear friends and neighbours.

Ken was a man of many talents. Supported by his lovely wife, Barbara Ann he was licensed as a Class "A" licensed mechanic in 1956. Through the years his wisdom in bringing new life to anything broken was sought after by many. Ken worked many years with his father at Tetzlaff Auto Service in Blytheswood, after his brother Wilbur followed other pursuits. In the early 70's Ken brought his family to Chatham where he worked at Laidlaw Transport as shop foreman with a transfer to Woodstock in the early 80's. He later returned to Chatham to finish his formal working career at Elan Tool & Die / Russell Tool & Die. In retirement Ken could always be found working on a project or fixing something. He enjoyed building and repairing the family supermodifed race car and working in the pits. In, 2005, he was honoured to participate in a 3 week road rally race in Mexico, "La Carrera Panamericana" as crew chief for friend, Jerry Churchill of Detroit, Michigan. Over the years Ken enjoyed moose hunting with close friends and family. He also enjoyed watching his grandchildren grow and became their proudest cheerleader. 

Sincere thanks to the medical staff at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance for the compassionate care Ken received over the past several months while in hospital. The services of Chatham-Kent VON, EMS Community Paramedicine and Ontario Health & Community Care were also deeply appreciated.

A graveside service will take place on Tuesday, August 12th, 2025 at 11:00 am at Maple Leaf Cemetery, Chatham. Family and friends are welcome to attend. A Celebration of Ken's Life will continue at the McKinlay Reception Centre, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham from 12:00 pm until 3:00 pm. Words of Remembrance will be held at 1:30 pm.

Donations in memory of Ken may be made to the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation or the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation.

Family and friends are invited to share their words of comfort online at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com.

McKinlay Funeral Home

459 St. Clair Street, Chatham

519-351-2040