WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
William S. Kerns Jr., age 85, of Burr Oak, passed away late Tuesday evening, June 12, 2012, at home.
He was born May 21, 1927, in LaGrange County, Ind., a son of the late William S. and Grace Edith (Peck) Kerns, Sr.
William resided in the Burr Oak area for more than 40 years. His early life was lived in the LaGrange, Ind., area.
On June 10, 1947, he married Emma Louise Friend in Wolcottville, Ind. She died June 23, 2011.
Mr. Kerns was a dedicated father and husband and enjoyed deer hunting, going to garage sales and fishing with his brother Herb at Camp Amigo.
He is survived by two sons, William F. Kerns and Donald (Peggy) Kerns, both of Sturgis; four grandchildren, Josh Kerns, Evan Kerns, Jessica Kerns and Chris Greeley, all of Sturgis; three great-grandchildren, Jessa Kerns, Kylee Kerns and Corey Greeley; one brother, Herbert Kerns of LaGrange; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; nine sisters; and five brothers.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday and 10-10:45 a.m. Saturday at Hackman Family Funeral Homes — Rosenberg Chapel, 807 E. Chicago Road, Sturgis.
Funeral services celebrating the life of William S. Kerns, Jr. will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. The Rev. Barry Sommerfield of Celebration Community Church in Sturgis will officiate. Cremation will follow the service. A graveside committal of the ashes will take place at 2 p.m. June 23 at Burr Oak Cemetery in Burr Oak.
Memorial donations would be appreciated to the family c/o: Donald Kerns, 28160 Timberly Drive, Sturgis, MI 49091.
His obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com, where personal messages of support may be left for the family.
