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Robert Kersten Obituary
Robert Donavon Kersten of Maitland, Florida deceased December 28, 2022. Born January 30, 1927 in Carlinville, IL, son of Fred & Beulah Kerstein. Predeceased by wife of more than 50 years, Bonita Sue McCool Kersten, his parents and three brothers - Randall, Ronald & Kenneth. Survivors include daughter Susan (John Martin) and son John, and grandchildren Bryan (Lauren) Martin, Sean (Megan) Martin, Darren (Alli) Martin, Kelsey Martin, Cole Kersten, Lane Kersten and great-grandchildren Jake Martin, Scott Martin, Eleanor Martin and Ty Martin along with numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.
Dr. Kersten was Founding Dean and Professor of the College of Engineering at the University of Central Florida. A graduate of the Oklahoma State and Northwestern Universities, his expertise includes teaching and research interests in water resources engineering, hydraulics, hydrology, engineering education matters, economic development and engineering workforce studies.
Dr. Kersten has a long history of service with the Accreditation Board for Engineering & Technology including chairing the Engineering Accreditation Commission and service with the International Activities Council. Author of over 100 professional papers and five books, including a Kersten family history. Appointed to Boards and Commissions by three different Governors.
Dr. Kersten was a Fellow Member of ABET, ASCE, AAAS and NSPE. Named to many academic honoraries - He has received the Distinguished Service Award of NCEES and the Centennial Medal of ASEE. He was elected to membership in the Pan American Academy of Engineering in 2002, and made a Distinguished Member of American Society of Civil Engineers in 2006.
He has spent many annual vacations volunteering for construction and water supply projects in Honduras, Guatemala and Peru. A longtime member of North Park Baptist Church, he served as deacon, teacher, and on many committees. He is a Paul Harris Fellow and Founding Member of Orange County East Rotary Club. Granted the Rotary International Service Award. Hobbies include travel, hiking, genealogy, basketball and study of Will Rogers.
Dr. Kersten recently completed 30 years of service in association with the AAES International Committee, NSPE/ASCE/ASME Task Force. This cooperative and largely volunteer effort has enabled the United States to maintain a presence within the Pan American Union of Engineering Associations (UPADI) and the Pan American Academy of Engineering (API). This effort has strengthened North-South relations and in particular, enhancement of Engineering Education, and improvement of Engineering Practice throughout Latin America. Honored with the Vector de Oro of the Pan American Union in 2012 for contributions to engineering education in Latin America.
The Moore Funeral Homes-Southlawn Chapel, Tulsa, OK is in charge of arrangements. A local memorial service will be held at North Park Baptist Church Orlando, FL at 10:30am, January 7, 2023. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to UCF Engineering Scholarships or North Park Baptist Church. An intimate service will also be held January 14, 2023 at the Memorial Park Cemetery Chapel in Tulsa, OK at 10am prior to interment. Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233 share memories at www.moorefuneral.com
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Kersten
Sponsored by Moore Funeral Homes & Crematory - Southlawn Chapel.
2 Entries
John R Hall, P.E., F.NSPE
March 1, 2023
So sorry to learn of Bob's death. My sincerest condolences to his family. I worked with Bob in the Florida Engineering Society and the Florida Engineering Foundation. He was a mentor, a friend and a faithful contributor. I am honored to have known him.
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Joe Ryan
January 6, 2023
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived. I first met Bob when I joined the Rotary Club of Orange County East in 1976. I was a young guy, new to community service. Bob was someone whom I looked up to. He always had time for me, time to answer my questions and guide me. I always appreciated him. Over the past several years, I've missed him. I will never forget the lessons he taught, both by words and by how he lived,
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