Kevin T. Kerner

1948 - 2024

Kevin T. Kerner

September 22, 1948 - December 24, 2024

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Kevin T. Kerner, a beloved husband, father, and friend – or to his grandchildren, "Pop-pop" – the man, the myth, the legend! Kevin passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on December 24, 2024, in Toledo, Ohio.

Kevin was born in Brooklyn, New York, and spent his childhood in Ridgewood, NJ. He moved to Ohio to attend the University of Toledo, for an engineering education that he self-funded. He stayed after meeting the love of his life, Eileen, to whom he was happily married for 51 years.

Kevin enjoyed a 50-year career as a civil engineer and plant manager. His specialty was building glass furnaces for Owens Corning for 28 years, and he managed factory rebuilds and other major projects across the United States while at SSOE Group and Lathrop/Turner Construction Company. He really enjoyed working on local projects at the University of Toledo, the Huntington Center, and Toledo Public Schools. His expertise was sought after internationally as he led high profile work in Germany, Canada, Saudi Arabia, China, and Malaysia.

Kevin was a devout Catholic and enjoyed ushering at weekly Mass. He was a devoted father and instilled in his four children a strong work ethic, his love of Cedar Point, hoagies, Billy Joel, playing in waves at the beach, and his eternally optimistic outlook on life - he always said, "It's another great day in Toledo, Ohio!" Kevin coached soccer and basketball for his children's teams at Ladyfield School, and spent many weekends driving his kids to swim meets all over Ohio.

As a child, he spent many summers at Beach Haven on the Jersey shore, and he shared his love of the ocean with his family via Easter break trips to Destin, FL, and summer trips to Cape May, NJ. Kevin loved wood carving and wood working at the Sylvania Senior Center, where he learned new techniques from his friends. He carved and gave away over 250 comfort birds and comfort crosses. He loved Interlake sailing on his boat, and spent many days out on Lake Erie with his family and friends. In his retirement, he enjoyed volunteering with the Sisters of St. Francis, and birdwatching. Kevin and Eileen had recently returned from a 4-week adventure in New Zealand and Australia before his recent illness.

His joyfulness, enthusiasm, and generosity touched the lives of all who knew him. Kevin is survived by, and will be greatly missed by, his loving wife, Eileen; children, Kyle Kerner (Jen), Meghan Kerner (Mike Sevier), Shannon Kerner (Daniel Dalrymple), and Kathryn Kerner (Tai Maki); and his grandchildren, Vivian, Quinn, Waka, Callahan, and Kahukura; as well as six brothers and sisters, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded by his parents, Evelyne and A. Ryall Kerner; and his brother, Ryall Kerner.

Friends may call at All Saints Catholic Church at 628 Lime City Road, Rossford, OH 43460, on Saturday, January 4, 2025, from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m., with the Funeral Mass to follow at that same location at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in his name to All Saints Catholic Church, 628 Lime City Road, Rossford, OH 43460, allsaintsrossford.org, or S.A.V.E. Inc (Science Alliance for Valuing the Environment), 6832 Convent Road, Sylvania, OH 43560, sciencealliancesave.org. Urbanski Funeral Home- a Life Celebration Home, 5055 Secor Rd., Toledo, Ohio, is assisting the family.

To all who read this, Kevin would have wished you a terrific day!

www.urbanskifuneralhome.com