Joseph Kerssen

Joseph Kerssen, age 62, from McIntosh, MN passed away on Tuesday (May 22nd) at his home in McIntosh. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday (May 30th) at Mount Carmel Free Lutheran Church in McIntosh with the Rev. Dale Mellgren officiating. Family will greet friends for one hour prior to the service on Wednesday at the church. Military honors will be provided by the McIntosh V.F.W. Post #6891 and the White Earth Veterans Administration. Arrangements are with the Carlin-Hoialmen Funeral Home, serving McIntosh and messages of condolence may be sent at carlinhoialmen.com.Joseph Bernard Kerssen was born on September 1, 1949 in Mahnomen, Minnesota to parents Abraham "Bennie" and Olga (Iverson) Kerssen. Joseph was raised on a farm south of Fosston, Minnesota. He was confirmed in Hope Lutheran Church of Fosston in 1965 and graduated from Fosston High School in 1967. He proudly served his country in the United States Army from December of 1969 until September of 1972 as a Sergeant with the First Battalion, Third Infantry. He served a year and half in the Vietnam War and received the Republic of Vietnam Service Medal and two Bronze Stars. After returning from Vietnam he was stationed in Virginia and was with the honor guard in Washington, D.C. He then lived in Detroit, Michigan where he went to school for auto mechanics and delivered furniture for Sears. While there he met and married his first wife Lora McNeil and they moved to Florida, living in the Orlando area. He worked at Disney World for 10 years and graduated from Orlando Community College with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. He also had numerous truck driving jobs on the east coast. While in Florida he met and married his second wife Linda Tripee. Linda passed away on February 23, 1997. Later, he moved to West Memphis, Arkansas with his third wife Vickie and managed the shipping dock at UPS. In January of 2008 he was diagnosed with cancer. After surgery and starting chemo treatments he moved to McIntosh, Minnesota to be closer to his family and to continue treatment.Joseph was a member of Mt. Carmel Free Lutheran Church and he sang in the community and church choir. Joe had no children, but enjoyed spending time with his many nieces and nephews and their children.Joe's hobbies included motorcycling, golfing, snowmobiling, telling stories, and attending high school sports; especially following the games of his great nieces and nephews.Joseph stated to family that cancer had saved his life because it caused him to recommit his life to the Lord. He had a strong faith and was looking forward to meeting his mom and dad in heaven. Joseph passed away May 22, 2012 in his home surrounded by his family at the age of 62 years. He fought a courageous battle with cancer. Joe was under the care of Hospice of Red River Valley at the time of his death.He is survived by his wife Vickie of McIntosh; sisters and brothers, Lois (Don) Boehrnsen of McIntosh, Mary (Jim) Fosse of Buffalo, MN, David (Dianne) Kerssen of Gully, MN Irene (Rod) Stock of Congress, Saskatchewan, Canada, Beth (Alan) Archer of Stewartville, MN, Ruby (Keith) Sistad of Fosston, Andy (Pam) Kerssen of Fosston, and Jim Kerssen of Fosston; numerous nieces and nephews; and five step children.He was preceded in death by his parents and his second wife Linda, the love of his life.Blessed be his memory