Doris Kersch

Doris C. Kersch

Born Inglewood, Los Angeles, California to Caleb Dixon McLaughlin and Catherine Theresa Hornby. At the age of 10 she caught diphtheria from a daughter of a sidekick actor on a Hollywood set and received the very first inoculation available in the US. Her Aunt, Nelly, opera singer for the Hollywood Bowl taught her singing. She loved entertaining and performing in plays. Doris could sing "Summertime" from the play, Porky and Bess, accapella in a crowded noisy pizza parlor, which would result in silence and a standing ovation. She entertained on stage throughout Northern Nevada and in the Sacramento area. Her family participated in Soap Box Derby that led to 9 kids' cars being built in a small single car garage. She fed this group with one can of tuna and good old Wonder Bread. A lot of these kids credited this activity with steering them on the rightpath in their lives. She was always there supporting her children and ended up secretary for Boy Scouts, Treasurer for the boat club, and Nationally qualified AAU swimming timer. She helped out at Kersch's Donut Factory on Main Street in Yerington waiting on customers during Kris' illness and construction of his home. She and her husband took turns driving Kris to pick up donut supplies because of a heavy workload in that business. In her seventies she went to college where she was first in her Real Estate class and out shined the young wipper snappers in computer class. One of these kids made a snide remark about old people, so she showed him up being in the top of the class.

She was proceeded in death by her Husband of over 56 years, Conrad J Kersch Msgt USAF retired.

She is survived by her sons, Keith (Chemical Engineer who helped send our astronauts to the Moon); Kurt (USN, Submarine Captain retired); and Kris (lst LT USAF ret and co-owner of Kersch's Donut Factory); their wives respectfully, Gloria, Jeannette, and Gloria (co-owner of Kersch's); granddaughters, Wendy, Karen, Tara, Annette, and Yolanda; grandsons, Billy, Arnel, and Kasey.

She was loved by all and will be greatly missed.

There was a private memorial gathering by family and friends at Kasey's and DeeDee's home. Her ashes will be laid with her husband in the wilderness he loved so much.

Memorial donations in Doris' memory can be given to your favorite arts and children organizations and/or Veteran organizations.