Harvey "Butch" Kogelschatz

Harvey “Butch” Prettyman Kogelschatz, age 81 of Port Huron, died surrounded by his loved ones on Tuesday, September 30, 2025.

He was born on May 1, 1944, in Buffalo Valley, Tennessee, and will return there in spirit, heart, and ash.

Butch was the second-oldest child out of four siblings in a close-knit family. He served two years in the Vietnam War as a highly decorated member of the 101st Airborne Division/”Screaming Eagles”; most notably, he received a Purple Heart. He was also a member of the Freemasons and was to be installed at the VFW Post 796, but was unable to attend due to his declining health. Butch’s career as a carpenter was his passion, and he loved his job so much that he felt he never worked a day in his life. In retirement, you would often find him tinkering in his garage, constantly finding something to build. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix or “rig”, and his “toos” (tools) are his legacy.

He was also an avid lover of the outdoors, and was always outside working on his yard with his best buddy, Tigger, by his side. His love of nature extended into space. He had several telescopes and wouldn’t miss celebrating a solar eclipse, the phases of the moon, sunspots, and comets with his family. He was known for constant unsolicited advice and updates about space, especially the WEBB telescope.

Above all, Harvey loved his family the most. He is survived by his three daughters, Annmarie (Robert) Kearns of Port Huron, Suzanne (Ayad) Kaji of Ann Arbor, Carolann Kogelschatz of Bucyrus, Ohio; one son, Hobart Kogelschatz of Oakland, California; seven grandchildren that were his entire world, Kerig, Brock, and Riley Kearns of Port Huron, Mara, Olivia, Nathan, and Evan Kaji of Ann Arbor; two wonderful nieces, Kelly Ann Stapleton of Lansing, and Ryanne Gates of Roscommon; his favorite great-nephew, Harvey (Brittany) Allen of Lansing; and caring great-niece, Amanda Stapleton of Lansing. Butch was preceded in death by his father, Harvey Eugene Kogelschatz; mother, Agatha Kogelschatz (Jones); sister, Susan Ingram (Kogelschatz); brother, Todd Kogelschatz; sister Judith Ann Gates (Kogelschatz), and nephew, Bradly Robert Gates.

At Butch’s request, a graveside service will be held for his immediate family.

Memorials can be made to Comfort Keepers of Port Huron. To send condolences or messages of sympathy visit, karrersimpson.com