Joe William Kerkhof

Joe William Kerkhof, age 78, of Seymour, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. Joe was baptized in Christ on March 30, 1947, at First Methodist Church, Seymour, and confirmed in faith at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Borchers, on May 29, 1977. He later became a devoted member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Seymour, along with his wife, Jane. Joe was a 1964 graduate of Cortland High School. Following graduation, he became a lifelong cattle and livestock farmer in Cortland. He later became employed with the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier, where he dedicated 20 years of employment before retiring in 2019. After his retirement, he worked part-time at the Scott County Transfer Station. Cattle was an important part of Joe's life. Reflecting his passion, he served on the Jackson County Fair Board for many years and was superintendent of the Beef Barn. He also served as a 4-H leader and Farm Bureau Co-op director, took great pleasure in watching 4-H cattle shows, and he was honored as Outstanding Farmer by the Seymour Jaycees. Additionally, Joe served in the National Guard from 1964 to 1971. Family was of utmost importance to Joe. He loved spending time with them and especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren show livestock at the fairs and participate in sports. He also delighted in playing with his great-grandson, Waylon, and was an avid Purdue basketball fan. Born on December 10, 1946, in Seymour, Joe was the son of Palois D. and Ruth (Zimmerman) Kerkhof, both of whom preceded him in death. On November 20, 1976, he married Jane E. (Ripley) Johnson, and she survives in Seymour. Survivors also include three daughters: Rachel A. (Michael) Nierman of Brownstown, Becky E. (Douglas) Hayden of Lowell, and Amy E. (Kyle) Stanfield of Seymour; seven grandchildren: Michala Nierman, Matthew (Allyson) Nierman, Mallory Nierman, Noah Hayden, Riley Hayden, Izabella Stanfield, and Callen Stanfield; one great-grandson, Waylon Nierman; great-granddaughter Nierman expected soon; sister and brother-in-law, Mary Ellen and Allen Snyder of Seymour; brother-in-law, William Powers of Trafalgar; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Chris and Dave Boggs of Seymour; and sisters-in-law: Barbara Ripley of North Carolina and Holly Hill of Seymour. Joe was also preceded in death by one sister, Janie Powers; and brother-in-law, Mark Ripley. Funeral services for Joe William Kerkhof will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Seymour, with Pastor Ralph Blomenberg, Pastor Philip Bloch, Pastor Jimmy Rodriguez, and Pastor Will Fredstrom officiating. Friends may call from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, August 11, 2025, at Spurgeon Funeral Home, Inc., Brownstown, and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Seymour. Interment will follow at Riverview Cemetery, Seymour. Memorials may be given to the Jackson County Fair Beef Barn fund. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the caring staff at Spurgeon Funeral Home, Inc. Online memorials and condolences may be given at www.spurgeonfh.com