Obituary for Donald Joseph Kerkman
December 15, 1931 – May 13, 2023
Donald Joseph Kerkman, age 91, passed away peacefully at Village Pointe Commons, Grafton, Wis., on Saturday, May 13, 2023.
A lifelong resident, Donald was born in Racine to Theodore and Hilda (nee: Hensgen) Kerkman on December 15, 1931. He faithfully served our country with the United States Army during the time of the Korean War. Donald was united in marriage with Shirley M Sargent on August 27, 1960. Donald was employed by Young Radiator Company for 45 years. As a side gig, he also tended bar at the 5th Street Yacht Club for many years.
Among his interests, Donald enjoyed spending time at the family’s cottage in Woodruff, Wis., fishing, going to tractor shows, working as a range officer at the Wisconsin Sportsman Association, deer hunting with family in Sparta, Wis., collecting WWII warbirds-related books and models, and visiting with his sons and granddaughter Emma.
Surviving are his sons and daughters-in-law: Daniel (Kathy) and Gregory (Gail); granddaughter Emma Kerkman; as well as loving brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.
Aside from his parents, step-fathers (Thor Meltesen and Arnold Sorensen), and in-laws, Donald was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley, and brothers, Ted, Roman, and Jerry Kerkman.
Services
Burial for Donald Joseph Kerkman will take place at 1 p.m. on June 1 at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks, if interested, to please make a donation to your favorite charity in Donald’s name.
Obituary and photo courtesy of Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home.
Local News
The Racine County Eye, which includes the Kenosha Lens, is your source for local news that serves our diverse communities. Subscribe today to stay up-to-date with local news.
Follow us on Facebook: Racine County Eye or Kenosha Lens, and Twitter to make sure you get the latest news.
