Earl L. 'Ike' Kersten

ONTONAGON, Mich. — Earl L. “Ike” Kersten, 79, of Trout Creek, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Ontonagon.

He was born Jan. 11, 1940, in Ironwood, son of the late Earl and Ruth (Anys) Kersten.

Ike attended Watersmeet schools and served in the U.S. Navy from 1959 until 1963 aboard the U.S.S. Manley. He married the “love of his life,” Dorothy Pole, on May 13, 1967, at the Lutheran Church in Bruce Crossing. He was employed by the U.S. Forest Service at the J.W. Toumey Tree Nursery in Watersmeet until retirement. Ike was a past member of the American Legion Post 494 of Trout Creek and the Trout Creek Fire Department.

Ike enjoyed hunting and fishing. He enjoyed mentoring and taking care of his grand kids. He especially enjoyed making them toys, they were very important to him. He was a friend to everyone, there were never any strangers.

Ike is survived by his wife, Dorothy; a daughter, Cammie (Robert) Garrison of Trout Creek; a son, Richard (Darcy) Kersten of Yucaipa, Calif .; two brothers and a sister, Bill (Maureen) Kersten of Watersmeet, LeLand (Carol) Kersten of Escanaba, and Linda (Dave) Chernick of Escanaba; 12 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; along with many nieces, nephews and extended family.

Besides his parents, Ike was preceded in death by a daughter, Shannon; and a great-granddaughter, McKensie.

Cremation will take place.

A celebration of life will be held at the Trout Creek American Legion Post 494, on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 11 a.m. Rev. Douglas Silsby will officiate. Military rites will be accorded by the OCVA. Ike’s family will receive relatives and friends from 10 a.m. until the time of service. A luncheon will immediately follow.

Cane Funeral Home of Bruce Crossing is assisting the family.