Mr. Bernard "Bernie" Kersting's Obituary
Mr. Bernard Francis (Pender) Kersting, 92, passed away Sunday, January 17, 2021, in Muskegon. He was born August 19, 1928 to Jack and Maylora (Howe) Pender in Muskegon, and was a lifelong resident. Bernie was in the Merchant Marines during WWII and the army during the Korean War. He was the bugler for the Muskegon County Council of Veterans of Foreign Wars. Bernie worked for C.S.X. Railroad for 42 years, retiring in 1987 as a yard conductor. He enjoyed refereeing high school football, fishing, hunting, golf, and above all he loved his children very much. He was a member of Calvary Church for several years, where he drove bus for the Christian School and seniors.He married Rosemary Blanchette on September 23, 1950, and she preceded him in death on August 4, 2019. Survivors include 3 children: Connie (Victor) Schamber, Terry (Mary) Kersting, Gary (Donna) Kersting; 5 grandchildren: Kelly, Paul, David, Christopher and Andrew. He was also preceded in death by his father Jack Pender, his mother Maylora Kersting, his brother Robert Kersting, and his sister Marjorie Shotolla. Visitation at The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 737 E. Apple Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442 will be Thursday, January 21, from 5-7 PM. A graveside service will be Friday, January 22, at 11:00 AM at Laketon Township Cemetery, with military honors.
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