Harry Kerkow
A life time resident of Jordan, Harry Arnold Kerkow, was 89, when he was reunited with Mary in heaven, on Wednesday morning, September 3, 2014, with this family at his bedside, at Friendship Manor Nursing Home in Shakopee, MN. A celebration of Life Service will be on Saturday, September 6, at 3 pm, with visitation starting two hours prior, all at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 100 Sixth Street West, Jordan. Pastor Jeremy Glowicki will preside. Full military honors will be provided by the Jordan Vets Honor Guard, with Harry being laid to rest next to his wife, at Spirit Hill Cemetery.
Born in the family home on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 1925, in Jordan, Harry was the son to parents, Arnold and Ella (Gottschalk) Kerkow. Born a twin to Harriet, he was truly the baby of the family. As a young boy, Harry has fond memories fishing in the Mill Pond and the creek. He graduated from Jordan High School.
First working as a farm hand, Harry then proudly served in the United States Army. He was stationed in Korea, during the end of World War II. Upon returning from the service, Harry held various jobs, before working his way by the ladder, as the post master for the Jordan Post Office. He retired in December of 1986, but Harry could not stop working. He enjoyed new opportunities to renew old friendships and new with customers and friends while working at Red Owl (now Radermacher’s.)
Unbeknown to Harry, he met his wife of 54 years, Mary Agnes Carlson, at her baptism. Growing up together as family friends, playing together, they started their life together as husband and wife on September 27, 1947, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, in Jordan, MN. Their life was richen with four children, Craig, Cheryl, Larry and Bonnie. Harry and Mary also were proud and loving foster parents to over 25 children, of all ages. Through the years, they provided a safe harbor for children less fortunate. As a family, they enjoyed taking summer vacations in Sauk Center to be around family. Mary passed away April 27, 2002.
In his later years, Harry loved being a grandpa and being involved with their lives. He was a hands on grandpa, changing diapers, playing with them, but relished the most being able hold and dance the grandchildren to sleep. Harry enjoyed a variety of card games, fishing, gardening and tending to his yard. He and Mary loved to entertain, for their front door was always open to anyway who grace it.
A member of the Jordan Lions Club, Harry also served the Spirit Hill Cemetery for decades. A faithful servant to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, he was an active member of the council, teaching Sunday School, ushering and so much more. Harry was as honest as the day is long. Strong willed, he was still a very loving, husband, dad and grandpa, who face lit up with joy being circled around family and friends.
Left to honor Harry’s life and mourn the death is his children, Craig Kerkow, Cheryl (Dennis) Schlicht, Larry (Gayle) Martin, Bonnie (Jon Reinhardt) Kerkow; special niece, Joanne (Michael) Sroga; grandchildren, Jessica (Darrell) Johnson, Virginia (Troy) Kakacek, Candice Schlicht, Emily (Rick) Jensen, Benjamin Martin, Jonathan Martin, Bryce (Heather) Raduenz, Brandyn (Autumn) Raduenz, Bryanna Raduenz, Brandy (Chuck) Coons, Amanda (Joel) Clausen; great-grandchildren, Dylan and Delaney Johnson, Madeline, Theodore, Alexandra, Emmanuele Kakacek, Madilin, Callie and Micky Jensen, Ellie and Ryker Raduenz, Trinity Raduenz, Carrigan Coons, Cooper and Charlee Clausen; sister, Elverda Grapper; nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Urnbearer will be Bryce Raduenz.
Preceded in death and there to welcome Harry home is his wife, Mary; parents, Arnold and Ella; sisters, Marcella (Harold) Wolpern and Harriet (Earl) Gerdes, brother-in-law, Alfred Grapper.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation, Jordan Chapel, proudly served and cared for the Kerkow family. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
