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Marge Kersten Obituary
Marge (Helein) Kersten spent 75 years enjoying life and enriching the lives of others. On May 31, 2015 while surrounded by her family, God called her home, where she was joyfully reunited with her parents: Henrietta and Lawrence and brothers: Jim, Bob and Bill Helein.
Marge was born in Appleton and attended St. Therese Elementary School and graduated from Appleton West High School. In 1960 she married the love of her life, Jim Kersten. After stops in Winneconne and Racine, Marge and Jim moved to Manitowoc where they raised their four children and made many treasured, life-long friends.
Marge enjoyed simple pleasures; a good conversation, family gatherings, spoiling her grandchildren, her "exercise girls", reading and game nights with Jim and friends. She always looked forward to time spent in Door County or at Lake Noquebay as well as going to St. Pete's Beach every February. Marge also loved a good fish fry; especially those prepared by her son, Paul.
Marge's family was her greatest passion and pride. Her spirit is carried on by her husband Jim; four children: Mike (Kris) Kersten, Appleton; Kathy (Mark) Pabian, Manitowoc; David (Shawna) Kersten, Excelsior, MN; Paul (Hope) Kersten, Green Bay; grandchildren: AJ Kersten; Mariah Kersten; Lexi Kersten; Adam Pabian; Nathan Pabian; Darby Kersten; Noah Kersten; Paige Kersten; step grandchildren: Laura Pabian; Sarah (Dan Grear) Pabian; Josh (Elizabeth) Pabian; Jenna (Andre) Saint Louis; great grandchild: Adelaide Grear; 6 sisters-in-law and 1 brother-in-law: Joan Helein, Appleton; Jean Helein, De Pere; Joyce Helein, Appleton; Betty Appleton, Appleton; Renee Kersten, AZ; Evelyn (Hank) Canterbury, AZ, many loved nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Marge was preceded in death by her father-in-law: Francis Kersten; mother-in-law: Martha Kersten; brothers-in-law: Bob Kersten; Bob Appleton; sister-in-law: Joyce Kersten and niece: Patty Appleton.
Funeral services will be held at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, June 6, 2015 at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo, 1121 North 14th Street Manitowoc. The Rev. Dave Beaudry will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial with burial of her cremated remains at Evergreen Cemetery. Relatives and friends may call at the church on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at 12:30 p.m. The Reinbold & Pfeffer Family Funeral Home of Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.jensreinboldandpfeffer.com
Memorials may be made to the Roncalli High School Capital Campaign or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
God must be so proud of the work you've done here mom! Your love, laughter and wisdom has left an imprint on our hearts. We will miss you every day. But we know that wherever we are, your love will find us.
The family of Marge would like to thank her "angel"; niece Jane Barton, Dr. Jonathan Tammela and Martha Kravoletz, for the compassionate care they provided throughout Marge's ten month battle with cancer.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Marge Kersten
June 9, 2015
My sympathy to Jim and family. How fortunate you all were to have had Marge in your life. You will all have memories of Marge that will bring a smile to your face.
I wish Jim and the entire Kersten
family the strength to remember the good times and the peace to treasure tomorrow.
Donna Anderst
Kansas City
Sister Nancy Kinate
June 7, 2015
My heartfelt sympathy, prayer, and love to Jim and family. Marge truly was a blessing to all of us whose lives she graced.
June 7, 2015
To the Kersten Family,
Our deepest condolences for your loss. I have such fond memories of Marge's genuine interest and caring touch during my time at Roncalli. She touched many lives!
Warmest Regards, Jim and Julie Oswald
Greg Barta
June 6, 2015
My sympathies to Coach Kersten and the Kersten Family. Many fond memories of Mrs. Kersten during my days at Roncalli.
Greg Barta
Tim and Sandy Goss
June 6, 2015
Jim
We remember Marge as a loving and caring lady. Our condolences to the Kersten and Helein families
Bob & Sue Ferree
June 5, 2015
Sorry to hear that Marg has passed. We remember all the fun times with the Kerstens. Marg was always a friendly outgoing person with Manitowoc newcomers. We all enjoyed our fun times in the motor home with our boys and Dave. God bless you all during this trying time.
Doug and Mary DeGroot
June 5, 2015
Hello, we are so sorry about losing Marge
June 5, 2015
Dear Kersten Family,
Sending my deepest sympathies to your family during this most difficult time. From the time your family moved into our house on 15th Street so many years ago, Marge was always so kind to my family. I will never forget her sweet manner. May God bless you and provide comfort to you all. Diane Mahnke Brixius
June 4, 2015
The community of St. Mary Central High School and its Athletic Hall of Fame sends its thoughts and prayers to Jim and the entire Kersten family on the loss of Marge. May she rest in peace.
Sue Simonsen
Alumni Relations/HOF Committee
Don & Sue Mueller
June 4, 2015
Marge was a great lady, she truly represented what a kind, loving and compassionate, she will be missed by this community.
June 4, 2015
Got to know Marge thru Curves. What a beautiful lady. My sympathy to her family. Shirley Schmill
Patti Laemmrich
June 3, 2015
Jim, my prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. May God's love bring you peace and comfort.
June 3, 2015
So sorry Jim and family for your loss. It was a privilege to have known Marge.
Our deepest sympathy.
Lee and Barb Owart
June 3, 2015
Paul,Kathy,Dave, Mike, and Jim,
I have all the best memories of visiting in the summers and always having the best of times with Paul and the entire family. I appreciate all your mom and dad did for my family during my own fathers passing. I want to truly express my deepest condolences with your mother. She is in heaven with her brothers now and I sure they are smiling upon there families below.
Gary, Amy, Jon & Connor
Dianne MAEDKE
June 3, 2015
PRAYERS ARE OFFERED for ALL--wish I could be at the Mass--but will be moving to the Gardens at Felician Village Sat.6th,but thoughts of all will be in my heart.
Ruminski Family
June 3, 2015
Our deepest sympathy to Jim and his children. She always had a smile and kind words. She will truly be missed.
June 3, 2015
Jim,
We send our deepest sympathy in the loss of your wife.
We didn't really know her but always heard what a great couple you were. Having the new basketball court named in your families honor, will always be a reminder of the joy that you both helped to bring to so many people.
God bless you. Sincerely, Joe & Carol Siebold
June 3, 2015
To Jim and family, My deepest sympathy to you on your new angel in Heaven. I will always remember our wonderful lunches at the Ponderosa. You and Marge were always so much fun and enjoyable to be with. Now Marge and Roger can get together and wait for us. May God comfort you in this most sad time. My love to you,
Pat Halverson
Ken Netzel
June 3, 2015
My deepest sympathies to Jim and the rest of the Kersten family. I will be praying for you during this sad time.
June 3, 2015
Jim and family. I am so sorry for you loss. Marge was such a delight. Always a smile on her face. She was a member of Curves where I worked. We had a lot of laughs. You will always have her with you in your heart with all the wonderful memories. My prayers are with you at this time. Linda Sheeter
Ann & Kyle Habeck
June 3, 2015
Paul & Hope -- our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May the memories of your beloved mother bring you some measure of comfort during this very difficult time. The memory of a good person lives in our hearts & minds forever. We will be lifting you up in thought and prayer.
Don Gosz
June 3, 2015
My best to the Jim and the rest of the family during this sad time. You are in my prayers.
Michael Kadow
June 3, 2015
My deepest sympathies to the entire Kersten Family and Marge's many friends!
June 3, 2015
mum always talked about her children. so i feel i know a little about you all. memories of st pete s beach will last a life time. our thoughts and prayers anna and ron
Tom Handl Jr
June 3, 2015
To the Kersten Family.. Your mother was like a second mother to me while growing up. Though she may have passed, her passion and spirit will be with you all in so many ways. God Bless, and my best to you all.
Tom and Ginger Steltz
June 2, 2015
Wonderful Family Friends since they moved in to Manitowoc. Introduced to us by Joe and Mildred Menchal. Our friendship will continue on for-EVER !!!
Mike and Mary Schmitzer
June 2, 2015
Sending our deepest sympathy to the Kersten Family....
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Reinbold & Pfeffer Family Funeral Services - Manitowoc818 State Street, Manitowoc, WI 54220
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