Searching for relatives/information about Robert Matthew Karelse b. 4 Aug. 1926 Belding, Ionia County, Michigan USA D. 30 May 1987 in the same area. I am his son by (I believe) his first wife, Olivia Rowe. They married in 1946 and separated soon after so I never knew him. I would like to know about my father's life, his profession, his parents, siblings, grandparents and whether he had other children and grandchildren. Any information to help me understand my Karelse heritage would be appreciated. Robert (Karelse) Busch

Since Robert was in the Ionia area, have you checked the Ionia Genealogy sites?

It would seem that a local paper might have published an obit for him; Ionia might have a local paper that could be on film at their local library.

The State of Michigan Library located in Lansing has a huge amount of records. I have gone there and searched many times. They also have lots and lots of newspapers published in Michigan on film and they are filed by city name (not newspaper name) and date.

Good Luck

Hi Robert,

I have more information for you about your Dutch heritage back in Holland... Greetings, Henk Karelse

Henk:

Thank you. I would be very interested in learning more. I knew that the name was Dutch but not much else.

Keith