| Notes |
- De Pere - It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John Norbert Kersten at home, our rock, on May 30, 2019, surrounded by his loving family from a short illness of Aplastic Anemia. John was born November 3, 1937, son of Norbert and Martha (Aerts) Kersten. Brother of Carole (Ron) Gossen, Jim (Anita) Kersten, Paul (Kathy) Kersten, Mike (Bonnie) Kersten, and Mary (Steve Maas) Kersten. He married Carol (Magnin) Kersten and they just celebrated 44 year anniversary on May 3. John was intelligent, hard-worker, "John of all trades", and a 5 Star in all he did. Throughout his life he was a plasterer with Ken Klueskens and with Buck Johnson, sold insurance, builder, mechanic, electrician, plumber, you name it, he could do anything. John retired from the City of De Pere Wasterwater Treatment Plant as a mechanic for 20 years. No job was too small or large. His work ethic was superb and no refreshments until the job was done, then he and the crew could have a few hydraulics (Bud of course). He was a 5 Star in all he did and was a "trend-setter", just ask his brothers! John surrounded his life around his family doing all sorts of things that included: hunting, fishing, camping, campfires, road trips, boating or pontooning, playing accordion, and being with friends. But he really enjoyed the G'rge (Garage) get togethers. Family always came first and he will forever be a role model. John touched many people's lives with his genuine caring heart, big smile, and a small handshake… His legacy are his family.
Survivors include his wife, Carol; six children: James (Susie Garot) Kersten, Kathi Frangquist, Jodi (Milty) Kersten-Ebben, Karen (Jim) Draths, Carrie Kersten, and Matt (Crissy) Kersten; and 12 grandchildren: Justin and Jordan Frangquist, Raelle (friend Matt Clement) and Cera (Jesse) Caylor, Nick and Kersten Draths, Alex and Noah Larsen, and Madelyn, Paul, John and Thomas Kersten. John is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Norb and Martha (Aerts) Kersten, mother and father-in-law, Elmer and Ruth (Kilmer) Magnin, sister Carole, brother Jim, brothers-in-law, Tom and Mike Magnin, sisters-in-law, Delores Magnin and Anita Kersten.
Family and friends may call at Ryan Funeral Home, 305 North Tenth Street, De Pere from 1:00 to 5:00 pm on Monday June 10, 2019. A service in celebration of John's Life will be held at 5:00 pm on Monday June 10, 2019 at the funeral home with Rev. Paul Johnson, officiating. Inurnment in Mt Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for the Red Cross. Please visit www.ryanfh.com to send online condolences to the Kersten family.
The family would like to thank Jim and Miriam Mulva, Fr. Harper, Rev. Paul Johnson, Bellin Cancer Center and Bellin Hospital 4th floor staff, Froedtert Hospital, Heartland Home and Hospice Care, and Ryan Funeral Home for all the compassion and help through this difficult time.
Published in Green Bay Press-Gazette from June 2 to June 9, 2019
|
1937 - 2019 (81 years)
