WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Emma Louise Kerns, 85, of Burr Oak, passed away early Thursday morning, June 23, 2011, at Sturgis Hospital.
She was born Dec. 7, 1925, in LaGrange County, Ind., a daughter of the late Franklin J. and Irene (Johnson) Friend.
Emma had resided in the Burr Oak area for more than 40 years. Her early life was lived in the LaGrange area.
On June 10, 1947, she married William S. Kerns in Wolcottville, Ind.
Mrs. Kerns was a dedicated wife and mother, and for many years did babysitting in her home.
She enjoyed word search puzzles, going for car and boat rides and she loved her cats. Emma was happiest when she was surrounded by her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her loving and dedicated husband of 64 years, William; two sons, William F. Kerns and Donald (Peggy) Kerns, both of Sturgis; four grandchildren, Josh Kerns, Evan Kern and Jessica Kerns, all of Sturgis, and Chris Greeley of Marietta, Ohio; three great-grandchildren, Jessa Kerns, Kylee Kerns and Corey Greeley; a sister, Betty Krontz of Sturgis; a brother, Frank Friend of Howe, Ind., and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Margaret Miller.
The family will receive friends from 9:30-10:45 a.m. Saturday at Hackman Family Funeral Homes — Rosenberg Chapel, 807 E. Chicago Road, Sturgis.
A funeral service celebrating the life of Emma L. Kerns will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. The Rev. Barry Sommerfield of the Celebration Community Church of Sturgis will officiate.
Cremation will follow the service. A graveside committal and burial of the ashes will take place at 1 p.m. July 16 at Burr Oak Cemetery in Burr Oak.
Memorial donations to the family would be appreciated, c/o: Donald Kerns, 28160 Timberly Drive, Sturgis, MI 49091.
