Harold "Whitey" Minster

Harold Henry “Whitey” Minster, age 80, of Scotts, Michigan, died peacefully Thursday, July 11, 2024, at his home with his loving wife, Karen, by his side. He was born October 5, 1943, in Manistee, Michigan. Whitey was the son of the late William Carl and Veronica (Strzyzewski) Minster. He graduated from Manistee High School in 1961 and shortly after earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Muskegon School of Business. He selflessly served in the United States Army from 1966 until his honorable discharge in 1969. Whitey married his loving partner, Karen, on May 25, 2015 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. They celebrated over 20 amazing years together.

Growing up, Whitey worked diligently in his parents’ supermarket (Bill’s Superette) in Filer City, Michigan, where he stocked shelves, packed groceries, cut meat, and was a checkout clerk. More importantly, Whitey was able to connect to everyone who walked through those doors and make them feel like the most important person in the room. He was the life of the party and could make people smile.

Later, Whitey was employed and retired from the Burnham & Flower Insurance Agency, after 30 long and successful years. Both at work and home, Whitey was a people person. He had a great love for his family and enjoyed his time with many special friends on a regular basis. Most importantly, Whitey enjoyed living life to the fullest and spending relaxing evenings with family and friends at his home on Long Lake.

Whitey was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church of Manistee. He was a 46 year member of the B.P.O. Elks Lodge #7980 of Kalamazoo, a member of American Legion Post #10 in Manistee, a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary of Manistee, a member of the Moose Lodge #1128 of Manistee, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #3531 in Schoolcraft, Michigan.

Members of Whitey’s family include his loving wife, Karen of Scotts, Michigan; two beloved sons: Michael and William of Florida; and a brother Dr. Henry Minster (Mary) of Manistee, Michigan and Surprise, Arizona. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Veronica Minster; an older brother, William Carl; and his younger sister, Elizabeth (Betty) Anderson, all of Manistee.

Please join us on Friday, July 26, 2024 from 6pm-8pm for a Celebration of Life with food and drinks in Whitey’s honor at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Whitey’s name to Kalamazoo VFW Post #827 in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Celebrate Whitey’s life online by sharing your stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com.