Maureen Kersten
Maureen Kersten, 79, of Springfield, died on December 25, 2017, at St. John Lutheran Home in Springfield.
Visitation was held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 28. In the Chapel of the Good Shepherd at St. John Lutheran Home in Springfield, and continued on Friday. Dec. 20, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sleepy Eye.
The funeral service was held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, Dec. 29, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sleepy Eye with Rev. Grant Fischer officiating. Interment was in the Northstar EUB Cemetery, Springfield.
Maureen J. Kersten was born Nov. 25, 1938, to Harry and Eleanor (Platz) Isaksen in Springfield, Brown County, Minnesota. She graduated from Springfield High School in 1956. Maureen had two daughters Heidi and Holli. On April 5, 1975, Maureen was united in marriage to Kenneth Kersten at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Springfield. The couple farmed northwest of Springfield for many years. Maureen loved being a grandma and watching her three grandchildren become thoughtful, kind, and uniquely talented young adults. Her grandchildren’s sporting events, activities and long talks on the phone were the moments she cherished most. Maureen also loved living on the farm with her dog and cats. The large flower and vegetable garden she grew every year was tended with care and joy — the abundance of which she happily shared with many. Gladioli and Dahlias were her favorite flowers. She also enjoyed entertaining and cooking for her family; many holiday gatherings were held at her home. Maureen took every opportunity to spend time with her daughters, grandchildren, sisters and brothers, and many close friends. Maureen was an avid walker and she could be seen on daily walks near her farm with close neighbors. She also enjoyed going to Curves with friends. Maureen volunteered countless hours at church, St. John’s Lutheran Home, and delivered Meals on Wheels. She was a past member of St. John’s Lutheran Church where she was involved with the circle, current member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Sleepy Eye where she enjoyed Bible study, and was a member of the Springfield American Legion Auxiliary.
She is survived by her daughters, Heidi (Bob) Fink of Springfield and Holli Hoffman of Minneapolis; grandchildren, Alex, Taylor, and Isaac Fink; siblings, Marlys (Bob) Vanderwerf of Springfield and Sheryl Lynn Thieman of Colome, S.D.; sisters-in-law, Judi Isaksen and Judy Isaksen, both of Springfield; and many nieces and nephews. Maureen was preceded in death by her parents; husband Kenneth, in 2011; two brothers, Floyd and Dean; and brother-in-law, Jim Thieman.
Sturm Funeral Home in Springfield was entrusted with arrangements. On line condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com