Edward LeRoy Kersten

Edward Leroy Kersten, Jr was born in Leavenworth, KS on July 5th, 1931 and passed away on June 28, 2021 in Fresno, CA. Ed enjoyed serving in the Navy from 1950-1954 and moved to California in 1954 when he was discharged. Ed worked with his Father installing heating units in San Francisco, until he found a job as a tire salesman, that resulted in his move to Fresno in 1958. Ed worked in sales for large tire companies until 1978 when he decided to become a self-employed wholesale tire salesman – which kept him busy until he retired at 70. Ed is preceded in death by his parents Edward L Kersten, Sr of Fresno and Frances Kersten of Leavenworth, KS and his wife of 50 years, Jean Kersten. Ed and Jean loved traveling and in later years, before and after retirement enjoyed taking many cruises. Their favorite destinations were Alaska and the Panama Canal.

Ed enjoyed having a big family. He is survived by his sister Eileen Sturgis, of Leavenworth, KS. His 5 children: Norman Nelson and his wife Karen; Cathy Gordon and her husband Pat; Lawrence Kersten and his wife Joanne; Susan Kersten; Mike Kersten and his wife Jennifer. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and 3 great, great grandchildren.

Ed was always happy being able to help and serve others. He became a member of the local Knights of Columbus in 1972. He enjoyed the brotherhood and camaraderie of many of his fellow Knights, along with the ability to serve his community through the work the Knights did. He was a member of St Anthony’s of Padua from 1972 until his death. He went to daily mass, was a eucharistic minister and lector and served the church in many other capacities. If he heard of a need, he tried to figure out how to help fulfill it. On Friday mornings he could be found at St Agnes Hospital, helping with the mass in their chapel. Ed was no stranger to the halls of the local hospitals. If he heard that a Knight, his spouse or a friend was in the hospital, he always visited. He would put off any other daily task, in lieu of visiting the sick.

Visitation for Ed will be on Tuesday, July 20th from 4:00-7:00 pm at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, located at 836 E Nees, 93710, followed by a rosary at 7:00 pm

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St Anthony of Padua Catholic Church on Wednesday, July 21st at 10 am.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstsullivan.com for the Kersten family.