David C. Kersten

David Chester Kersten (Chet the Jet), a man of boundless kindness, quick wit, and unshakable devotion to his family, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at the age of 82. Born on May 9, 1942, in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, the son of DeForest and Belva (Ziegel) Kersten. David's life was marked by his love of storytelling, his joy of competition, and his uncanny ability to make everyone around him feel valued.
David graduated from Lincoln High School in 1960 and continued his education, earning a Civil Engineering degree from Michigan Tech. He later obtained a Master's of Education and Professional Development degree from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point along with a real estate license and a professional engineering license in the State of Wisconsin.
David met the love of his life, Reata Arnoldy, and they married on August 31, 1968, at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Wis. Rapids, being one of the first to have a Lutheran Pastor and a Catholic Priest at their ceremony. They continued to make their home in Rapids where they raised their family.
David was employed as a Civil Engineer with the State of Wisconsin where he resigned in 1970 to accept a teaching position as a Professor at Mid-State Technical College (MSTC). He retired from MSTC in 2002 but continued to serve for several years on the investment board for finances. Dave was honored by being inducted into the MSTC Hall of Fame. He followed his passion for sports by becoming a referee at both the high school and collegiate level. He was inducted into the Referee Hall of Fame in 2018 and named WCCA Official of the Year in 2022. Dave was an official for 54 years. He served as the Mid-West Conference Commissioner, worked NCAA, WJC, and NAIA playoff games along with being one of the founders of the WVOA. He generously dedicated his time to coaching, and mentoring his daughters' youth and high school sports teams, and sharing his passion for the game as the golf and basketball coach at MSTC. As a man who could not sit still, he filled his time in the summers selling real estate which led to him acquiring one of his listings and establishing Kersten's Funeral Coach Service. His entrepreneurial spirit and tireless dedication left an indelible mark on the community he loved.
On a personal level, Dave's passion was always with his family. That led him to acquire another one of his listings, a condo on Lake Petenwell. It was there that he enjoyed spending time with his family boating and fishing on the Lake. He enjoyed golfing at Bull's Eye Country Club, where he sat on the board as President.
David will leave a void in so many lives and is especially loved and will be missed by his wife Reata, his children and grandchildren; Nicole (Matt) Lavold and their children Drew and Mason of Waunakee, WI, and Krista (Jeremy) Potter and their children Avery and Isabelle of Cottage Grove, WI. He is survived by his sister Deneen Norman, and brothers Doug Kersten (Patti) and Brian Kersten (Julie). Brother-in-laws Richard (Jeanne) Arnoldy, Harry Kwidzinski, and sister-in-law Bonnie Arnoldy along with several nieces and nephews who will carry forward his legacy of love, laughter, and the occasional cheeky comeback.
He is preceded by his parents, his in-laws Bernard and Orvilla Arnoldy, his brother-in-laws Alan Norman and Roger Arnoldy, and sister-in-laws Rebecca Kwidzniski and Renea Arnoldy. In honor of David's life, his family asks that you perform an unexpected act of kindness in his name and share a favorite story about him with someone who could use a smile.
Funeral Services will be held at 3:00 PM on Friday, December 13, 2024 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in the Mission Center, in Wisconsin Rapids. Rev. Bryce Clayton will officiate the service. Visitation will be held from 1:00 PM until the time of service at 3:00 PM. Burial rites will be held following the service at Forest Hill Cemetery in Wisconsin Rapids, WI.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.