Maria Kersh

1935 - 2021

Maria Kersh, 86, of Brandon, South Dakota passed away on December 3, 2021 surrounded by her children. Maria Kersh was born on June 5, 1935 in Siberia, Russia, Krasnoyarski Krai. She was the second born of Fridrik and Maria Lemke. By the age of five, Maria lost both her parents. On November 6, 1956 she married Vladimir Kersh, and lived a full life for 65 years. With her passing, she leaves behind loved ones and is reunited to others she loved dearly: a wife to Vladimir, mother to Svetlana, Maria, Larissa, Albina, Olga, Vladimir, Marina, Evgeniya, Viktoria, and two lost babies, 26 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

Maria and Vladimir immigrated to the United States in December 1988 where they continued to raise their family and serve the Lord. Maria loved flowers, plants and greenery and had a vibrant garden. She is remembered by her love for God, friends, and community which was expressed through her fierce prayer life for others, hospitality, and care for people in hard circumstances. She was never late nor missed church regardless of health or bad weather. She loved to praise God. Everyone who knew Maria experienced her love and kindness and great cooking. She was a stranger to no one and made you feel loved. While battling her illness Maria never ceased to praise the Lord and pray for her children and loved ones. With her last breath she uttered the words, “THE HAPPIEST OF HAPPINESS OF GOD’S AMAZING LEGACY.”

Maria's funeral service will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 10, 2021 at the House of God Church in Sioux Falls.