Jozef (Jos) Kets, the oldest living man in Belgium, passed away in Berlaar, Antwerp Province on 14 February, at the age of 107 years, 298 days, according to VRT.
Kets was born in Lier on 22 April 1917. In 1937, Jos was called up for military service in Leuven, joining the motorized artillery, an advanced regiment. When Germany invaded Belgium in May 1940, he was immediately mobilized. His unit moved across the country, from Leuven to Marche in Luxembourg, where they found shelter with civilians. Later, he co-founded a stone-cutting company in Mechelen. At 29, he married Jeanne, and together they had a daughter, Diane. He spent the last eighteen years of his life in Berlaar.
Following the passing of Alfons Leempoels (1 January 1917 – 22 November 2024), he became the oldest living man in Belgium.
In December 2024, Jos was honored as the oldest man in Belgium with a grand celebration at the Sint-Augustinus residential care center. He was visited by Denise Waelbers (109) from Mortsel, the oldest Belgian woman. During the event, he shared his life motto: “Keep breathing, be polite, and let those in a hurry go first.”
Upon his passing, it’s believed the new Doyen of Belgium is Alfons Declerck, born on 27 May 1917.
The featured image was sourced from: Gazet van Antwerpen
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Jozef Kets during this difficult time.
