Sgt. Melvin Lee “Mel” Kersten, Sr., 78, of Marion, passed away at 7:13 AM, Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Mel was born on July 21, 1936 in Des Moines, IA to Melvin Wayne and Evelyn (Bergmann) Kersten. He married June E. Lundberg in 1955 and together they shared twenty nine years of marriage. He married Sharon Stover on March 28, 1990 in Paducah, KY. They shared twenty five years together.
Mr. Kersten was a retired from the Illinois State Police. He was an officer for twenty five years and retired in 1991 as the Sergeant Public Information Officer for District 13. He served many years as the training officer for District 13, teaching CPR, Motorcycle Safety and Drug Awareness. He was a certified First Aid Instructor by the American Red Cross and received a meritorious award for saving a life in the field using CPR. He was a proud member of the District 13 Fraternal Order of Police.
In his spare time, he stayed busy reading various books and manuals and spending time outside gardening and hiking. He was a good handyman and skilled at woodworking and welding.
Survivors include-
Wife- Sharon Kersten of Marion
Daughter- Lynn Followell and husband Roger of Marion
Daughter- Janet Barwick and husband Randy of Marion
Son- Lee Kersten and wife Linda of Carbondale
Step Daughter- Joni Eberhart and husband Don of Johnston City
Step Son- Greg Williams of Grayville
Sixteen Grandchildren
Fourteen Great Grandchildren
Bother- David Kersten and wife Beth of Medina, OH
Brother- Gary Kersten and wife Debbie of Peoria, AZ
Niece- Kaydee Wichmann
Nephew- Brian Kersten
Niece- Patricia Kersten
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister.
The funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM, Friday, May 29, 2015 at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion. His brother in law will officiate. Burial will follow at Whiteash Cemetery in Whiteash. An honor guard will be provided by the Illinois State Police. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM until time of service, Friday at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion.
Memorial donations are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Fund and will be accepted at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home/ 800 N. Market St/ Marion, IL 62959. For more information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com.