"Chip, Gretchen and Jane - So sorry to hear of your dad's death. He was a great person and was always very friendly and nice to Jim and I when we lived next door to you guys. He never got upset or riled even when we were running thru the fur store vault playing tag and such. I'm sorry for your loss and have always remembered him fondly over the years. Best thoughts to you all. Paul"
In loving memory of
Richard Kersten
July 7, 1926 - July 24, 2021
Richard Frederick Kersten, 95, a lifelong resident of Rochester, MN, died on July 24, 2021 at The Pillar's Hospice House. A private graveside service will be held at Oakwood Cemetery in Rochester.
Richard was born July 7, 1926 in Rochester to Charles and Bertha (Witt) Kersten. He graduated from Rochester High School in 1944. Richard proudly served in the Navy during World War II as a Signalman 3rd Class (USS John Land) from 1944-1946. After the war he spent some well-deserved and special time with his brothers at the family cabin on East Lost Lake in Ottertail County, a place he loved. He attended the University of Minnesota and graduated in 1951 with a BA in math and statistics. On Sept. 29, 1951, he married Carol Cray.
Richard worked in the statistics department at the Mayo Clinic after college, then joined his father in their family business, Kersten's Furs, where he worked until his retirement. Richard was an active member of Kiwanis, an organization that was special to him, and a member of Zumbro Lutheran Church.
Richard enjoyed the outdoors, camping, canoeing, biking and hiking with his children and grandchildren. He helped his children with numerous home projects and helped build the family cabin in Chippewa Falls, WI where he enjoyed spending time. He was also an avid gardener.
Richard is survived by three children, Jane Kersten of New York, NY, Gretchen Kersten of Shoreview, MN, and Charles Kersten of Eau Claire, WI, four grandchildren, Ben, Elizabeth (Paul Strombom), and Paul Weidman and Andrew Kersten, and three great grandchildren, Olivia and Will Weidman and Caroline Strombom. He was preceded in death by his wife Carol, his parents, and his four brothers Robert, Donald, Edward and Gordon.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Kersten family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
Tributes
"I will always treasure the many years I worked with Richard and all the "gang " at Kersten's. I will always remember shortly after I started working for him and he sent me over to Hollands bakery to get "Tea cake" for our "Tea break".....since I was 19 and NOT a coffee or Tea drinker I never new I was really suppose to ask for "COFFEE" cake...he always had a good laugh about that. My thoughts go out to all the family. Mary Rolli"
"Richard carried himself with a quiet calmness that was comfortable to be around. He was a good example of self reliance for friends and family and he taught those of us who spent time in his presence the value of patience and persistence. Most of my memories of our teenage years include Richard making sure we didn?t kill ourselves. We will miss his influence . Steve Sperling"
"Uncle Rich was such a kind and gentle man. Always a joy to be around. I remember a quick wit and It was so obvious how much he loved and supported family. I will always remember the good old days when we returned to Rochester and East Lost Lake. They will forever be blazed into fond memories. Stephanie Kersten "
"We were so sorry to hear of your loss Chip and Jane and Gretchen , grands and great grands . Steve especially has very fond early memories of Richard and trips with Chip. We still talk about Richard every time we play cribbage. Our condolences, Shelley and Steve Sperling"
"I am sorrowed to hear of your loss. Blessings on you Jane and Ben/Elizabeth/Paul and extended family members. "