William Kerssen

BILL KERSSEN Click here to view Bill's Video Tribute IDAHO FALLS, ID -- William Ray “Bill” Kerssen, 74, of Idaho Falls, passed away January 10, 2009, at his home following a courageous battle with cancer. He was under the care of Hands of Hope Hospice. He was born October 20, 1934 in Deer Creek, Minnesota, to Leo Ray Kerssen and Claire Marie Borchers Kerssen. He attended schools in Minnesota. He served as a Lieutenant and as a Radioman Second Class Radio Operator in the United States Navy during the Korean War. He married Deborah Danell Maki in Ashton, Idaho, where they made their home. He worked as a chemical dependancy counselor and directed several programs in the area. He touched many lives and he will be missed. He was a member of the VFW, Alcoholics Anonymous, and the Rotary Club. He enjoyed collecting antiques, skiing, golfing, yard work, and telling jokes. Survivors include: Wife: Debi Kerssen, Idaho Falls, ID Son: Scott (Joan Price) Kerssen, Milwaukee, WI Daughter: Sandra (Richard) Gonzales, Plano TX Daughter: Shari (Gerald) Cartwright, Everton AR Daughter: Jessica (Eric) Grover, Idaho Falls, ID Son: Sean (Paula) Maki, Idaho Falls, ID Brother: Michael Center, Phillipsburg, NJ Sister: Jane Hobson, Bellavista, AR 12 Grandchildren He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, January 16, 2009, at the Wood East Side Chapel, 963 S. Ammon Road. The family will visit with friends for one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Military Rites will be performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Memorial Team and the Idaho Honor Guard. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.woodfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to the following organizations: Hands of Hope Hospice, 1379 E. 17th St. Idaho Falls, ID 83404 or the Bonneville Humane Society, 444 N. Eastern Ave., Idaho Falls, ID 83403. ---------------------------------------------------- Condolences sent online: Jerrie huntsman terrandjerh@fairpoint.net Debi and Family: I am so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. We have you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. He was a very good person. May God Bless!! Jerrie Huntsman/Ashton. Idaho Brian Ruth Chris Mike Kidder ruffals@hotmail.com We are so sorry about your lose Bill was a good man. He will be greatly missed Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Ken & Bernetta Hanson We wish to extend our sincere sympathy to the family in the loss of their loved one. They are in our thoughts & prayers. Ken & Bernetta Hanson Ashton, Id Sinde Wood sinyfox@ida.net Hi, this is Sinde Wood. I am so very, very, sorry. My heart is breaking into a million pieces. I wish I could be there to hold you, cry on your shoulder as you cry on mine. I would love to hear the stories that might be told. Bill was such a warm and comforting person. His friendship with Dad was the best. Dad thought the world of him. For you, I wish I could take the pain away. Bill has gone onto bigger and better things, and we are left behind, but what a beautiful gift we were given, to share our lives with the ones we have. If I can help, or you need someone to let loose on, I'll listen. Please call. I don't know how to get in touch with you. With all our Love and comfort we can give to you and your family, we hope for brighter days to lighten your way. Love the Family of yours and Bill's, friend Terry Wood, Love Sinde Laura Mark laurabrent2@comcast.net Debi and family, You all know how I feel as I was just there on Sat. I will always miss Bill and how he made me feel so good about myself. He was truly one of my very best friends/family. I'm so sorry for the loss of your husband and father. May he always rest in peace and may you have God's blessings with you in your time of grief. Love, Laura aka (LD) Love the Family of yours and Bill's, friend Terry Wood, Love Sinde