Obituary: Mike Kerns

Memorial Service

Funeral services will take place on Saturday, July 14, 2018 at 10:30 AM (Central).

United Methodist Church
Murdo, South Dakota

Interment

Murdo Cemetery
Murdo, South Dakota

Print Obituary

In memory of

Mike Kerns

of Murdo, South Dakota, died on Thursday, July 5, 2018 at Avera St. Mary's Hospital in Pierre at the age of 62

Michael "Mike" Ward Kerns was born on December 17, 1955 to Daryl "Pete" and Linda (Dittman) Kerns in Kadoka, South Dakota. He was the first of nine children.

Mike spent his childhood days playing, fishing, riding bicycles, and swimming with his siblings and other neighborhood children. He attended school at Murdo elementary school and graduated from Murdo High School in 1974. After high school, Mike attended Dakota State University in Madison, South Dakota, on a football scholarship. He played football for four years and was a part of the 1976 undefeated football team that was inducted into the DSU Hall of Fame.

While attending DSU, Mike met Joan Putzier. They were united in marriage on August 9, 1979 and to this union came three daughters: Carmen Jo, Krista Kay, and Kelsey Sue. They moved to Philip where Joan taught school and Mike worked carpentry jobs, refereed, and ran his D.J. business, “MJK”. Mike was an avid bowler and played on the local softball team. In 1985, they moved to Mission, and in 1989 moved to Murdo. While in Murdo, Mike ran the family business with his parents.

In 2000, Mike met his special friend, Sheila Menning. To this relationship a son, Jayden Gene, was born. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing pool. Mike was an entertainer to many. He always had jokes and stories to tell and he loved to play music and sing karaoke.

Survivors include a special companion Sheila Menning of Murdo; three daughters: Carmen Kerns of Sioux Falls, Krista Kerns (Clyle Badger) of Pierre, and Kelsey Kerns of Mitchell; three grandchildren: Slade Badger, Remi Badger (Krista and Clyle), and Jasa Morris (Carmen); his mother Linda Kerns of Murdo; seven siblings Kim (Lori) Kerns of Black Hawk, Brenda (Kerns) Polk of Huntsville, AL, Michele (Jim) McNeely of Murdo, Connie (Kelly) Kralicek of Dickenson, ND, Lori (Kerns) Nielson of Murdo, Bart Kerns of Murdo, and John (Carrie) Kerns of Mesa, AZ; many cousins, nieces, and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Michael was preceded in death by one son Jayden Gene Kerns; his father Daryl "Pete" Kerns; and a brother Steve Kerns.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. CDT on Saturday, July 14, at the United Methodist Church in Murdo with Pastor Mark Phillips officiating.

Interment will be at the Murdo Cemetery.

MEMORIAL SERVICES
Saturday, July 14, 2018 - 10:30 a.m. CDT
United Methodist Church
Murdo, South Dakota

OFFICIATING
Pastor Mark Phillips

INTERMENT
Murdo Cemetery
Murdo, South Dakota

Sign the guestbook

Mike and I were good friends in college and Ronda and I really enjoyed stopping and visiting Mike several times in Murdo every time we came through. We were teammates in track and played a lot of basketball together, Mike will be missed very much. My prayers and thoughts to the Kerns family. ~ Wayne Maass Cheney, KS (6/21/2019)
I went to college with Mike. He was good at everything! Pool, Football, basketball and on and on. I was sorry to read his obituary, he was a good teammate. ~ Bill Hurley Gilbert, AZ (1/3/2019)
We are so sorry to hear about Mike. He was truly one-of-a kind. Hugs and prayers for God's strength for the entire Kerns family. ~ Terri Gunderson & Ron Hoeltzner Platte, SD (7/12/2018)
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. ~ Jeff and Emily Sanderson 10492 Wimbledon Ct., Eden Prairie, MN 55347 (7/10/2018)
My thoughts and prayers are with the Kerns family. ~ Jeff Stilwell Mastic Beach, New York (7/9/2018)
Thinking of the Kerns family at this time and sending prayers. ~ Linda Stilwell Kadoka. SD (7/9/2018)
Thoughts and Prayers to the Kerns family. Mike was one of a kind! So sorry for your loss. ~ Randy and Jan Wilson Crooks, SD (7/9/2018)
Linda, our sympathy to the whole Kerns family. ~ Lyle & Lynn Reynolds Gold Canyon, Arizona (7/8/2018)
Our hearts go out to you Linda and all of your wonderful family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers . ~ Mike & Dawn Cromwell Butternut, Wisconsin (7/8/2018)
Deepest sympathy to the whole Kerns family. ~ Kim Weingartner Florida (7/7/2018)
We are saddened to hear of Mike's passing. Our thoughts and prayers to the family. God Bless. ~ Ralph & Cathy Fiedler Sturgis SD (7/7/2018)
We are saddened to hear this news. We will be keeping the Kerns Family in our thoughts and prayers.
~ Mike and Shar Moses Philip, SD. (7/7/2018)
Prayers to the Kerns family. I am so sorry for your loss. ~ Spring Sims Black Hawk, SD (7/7/2018)
My love and prayers to all the Kerns family. May you all cherish the memories ~ Joan Kirchhevel RapidCity (7/7/2018)
To The Kerns Family: So saddened to hear about the passing of Mike. Sending my sympathy and prayers to the Kerns family. Mike will always be remembered by so many and all the memories of him. RIP Mike Norma Jean Iverson- Huhn ~ NORMA JEAN IVERSON HUHN WAUSAU, WISCONSIN (7/7/2018)
So sorry to learn of Mike's passing. You have our deepest sympathy Linda. We will be keeping you and all the rest of Mike,s family in our thoughts and prayers. ~ Lloyd & Rosi Royer Waukee Iowa (7/6/2018)