TRAVERSE CITY — Garth William VanKersen, 57, of Traverse City, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, Nov. 5, 2010, at his home.Garth was born on July 24, 1953, to George Augustus and Donna Darlene (Grubius) VanKersen. He married Patricia Weber on May 1, 1982, at the Mayfield Chapel in Mayfield.Garth lived in Traverse City for most of his life and graduated from Traverse City Central High in 1972. He worked as an animal control officer for 28 years, retiring in 2000. He enjoyed boating and fishing on Spider Lake, old cars and snowmobiling. He especially enjoyed spending time at his home in Arizona and four wheeling through the desert. Garth loved spending time with his grandson, Trevor and taking his dogs, Sally and Samantha for a burger. He was a great husband, father and friend to all and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Surviving Garth are his wife, Pat; mother, Donna Griffin; son, Jeremy Allen VanKersen; grandson, Trevor VanKersen; brothers, George (Susan) VanKersen, Todd (Cindy) VanKersen and Patrick Griffin; sister-in-law, Sue (Dave) Schaub; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.Garth was preceded in death by his father, George; and stepmother, Charlene VanKersen. A memorial service will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2010, at Feast of Victory Lutheran Church in Acme. Memorial contributions may be directed to Cherryland Humane Society or to diabetes research. Please sign Garth's online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com . The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.