Urban Kerner Sr.

1926 - 2025

Urban Kerner Sr.

November 2, 1926 - March 28, 2025

Urban Leonard Kerner, Sr., 98, of Bloomington, Illinois passed away Friday, March 28, 2025.

Urban was born in Bloomington, IL on November 2, 1926, the tenth of eleven children of Simon and Magdalena (Marksteiner) Kerner.

Urban was a World War II veteran. He was a Seaman First Class in the United States Navy. He served on the USS Tarazed in the port of Arzew, Algeria. In 2019, Urban and his son, Urban L. Kerner, Jr., participated in an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. Always humble about his service, Urban was surprised upon his return with cheers and homemade signs from his family.

On May 21, 1949, Urban married the love of his life, Rosemary (Dooley) Kerner. Together they set a wonderful example creating strong family ties, work ethics and faith. Their legacy includes six children, eighteen grandchildren, twenty-five great-grandchildren and fourteen great-great grandchildren.

In 1989, Urban retired from the United States Postal Service and his business as a plastering contractor. After retirement, Urban worked part-time as a greenskeeper at The Links at Ireland Grove. He also dedicated his time to serving his parish, Holy Trinity.

Although Urban had many interests, three particular hobbies brought him the most joy. As a life-long Chicago Cubs fan, Urban threw out a first pitch at Wrigley Field. He celebrated his ninetieth birthday at a surprise party the very evening the Cubs won the World Series. Golfing was also a source of joy to Urban. Several times he claimed the title of McLean County Seniors Medalist. Lastly, a Christmas gift from Urban's youngest son, Matthew, dwarfed all past and future gifts…a pool table. Urban loved playing pool. The living room became a pool hall, open to his friends and family.

As a close family friend recently stated, "He is The Man. The Myth. The Urban Legend." Urban was indeed all of those things and more. His legacy extends across multiple generations and the multitude of those that have been touched by his kindness and compassion.

Urban is survived by his six children: Urban (Pat) Kerner, Jr. of Hudson, WI, Beth (Dale) Epley of Normal, IL, John Kerner of Bloomington, IL, Patti (Clifford) Trudo of Murfreesboro, TN, Katie (Paul) Schafer of Springfield, IL, and Matthew (Melissa) Kerner of El Paso, IL. He is also survived by two siblings: Dorothy (Hank) Brandt and Carl (Martha) Kerner, both of Bloomington, IL. Urban was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Rosemary, and eight siblings; Marie Stiles, Joseph Kerner, Rose Emery, Helen Brandt, Stephen Kerner, Elizabeth Dunn, Theresa Andor and Antionette Kerner.

His funeral will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Bloomington. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, Bloomington. Military rites will be accorded. Visitation will be from 4:00-6:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at https://lovetotherescue.org/how-you-can-help/ways-to-give.

To express condolences online, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.