Max Kersey

Max LeRoy Kersey, 90, of rural Grand Junction, passed away Friday, May 6, 2016 at Greene County Medical Center in Jefferson.

A prayer service was held Monday, May 9 at St. Brigid Catholic Church, Grand Junction with Fr. Jeff Schleisman, presiding. Mass of the Resurrection was held Tuesday, May 10. Father Jeff Schleisman was the celebrant with lectors, Connie Burkett and Jackie Ostrander, and Eucharistic Ministers, Linda Tipton and Deb Cooklin. Gift bearers were Connie Burkett, Linda Tipton, Deb Cooklin and Jackie Ostrander. Music was provided by Sheilah Pound. Honorary bearers were granddaughters: Heather Lohse, Jaimi Bird, Kashia Cooklin, Stephanie Wedeking and Sara Ostrander. Serving as casket bearers were grandsons: Chan Burkett, Tony Burkett, Andrew Burkett, Levi Tipton, Ryan Cooklin, Kris Ostrander and Reed Ostrander. Interment was in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Grand Junction.

Max, son of John and Elsie (Farley) Kersey, was born October 29, 1925 in Jefferson. He attended rural school in Greene County and graduated from Grand Junction High School in 1943. Max was united in marriage to Ramona Jane Rhodes on December 28, 1948. They have were happily married for 67 years. They are parents to four daughters: Connie, Linda, Debra and Jacalyn. Max and Ramona farmed, raising corn, soybeans, hay and cattle. He also did a lot of custom farm work from Churdan to Perry. Max took great pride in his farm work and maintaining his shiny, red equipment. Max and Ramona were honored in 2012 with the Iowa Department of Ag & Land Stewardship Century Farm designation.

He enjoyed all of his family time boating and camping, as well as sharing his hobbies of tractor pulling, classic cars, WHO tractor rides and NASCAR races. He and Ramona liked to travel and especially enjoyed going on cruises. They spent the last 20 years together wintering in Mesa, Arizona, creating many fond memories. Max enjoyed many friends and neighbors in Iowa and Arizona, especially the neighborhood card club and T’Bird Club.

The activities of his grandchildren and great grandchildren brought many smiles.

Max was active in church and community, participating in the Greene County Cattlemen, East Greene School Board and was a long term director at St. Brigid Catholic Church.

Max is survived by his wife, Ramona; his daughters: Connie (Mick) Burkett, Linda (Tim) Tipton, Deb (Randy) Cooklin and Jacalyn (Kevin) Ostrander; his twelve grandchildren: Chan Burkett, Heather (Anthony) Lohse, Tony (Wendy) Burkett, Andrew (Kelly) Burkett, Jaimi (Paul) Bird, Levi (Jennifer) Tipton, Kashia Cooklin, Stephanie (Nathan) Wedeking, Ryan Cooklin, Kris (Emily) Ostrander, Sara (Ryan) Ostrander and Reed Ostrander; nineteen great-grandchildren: Seth (Maci) Watts, Cody Burkett, Mason Burkett, Quinn Lohse,  Zoey Lohse, Libby Lohse, Josie Burkett, Addie Burkett, Lily Burkett, Samantha Burkett, McKenzie Burkett, Maxwell Bird, Mitchell Bird, Liv Tipton, Charles Cooklin, Kersey Wedeking, George Wedeking, Ella Ostrander and Lincoln Ostrander; his brothers, Donald (Janice) Kersey and Darrell (Jo) Kersey; nieces and nephews.

Max was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Judy; his parents, John and Elsie Kersey; siblings, Lloyd (Joyce) Kersey and Veva (Elden) Hansen; and in-laws, Elmer and Goldie Rhodes.

Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home, www.sliningerschroeder.com.

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