His services will be held at St. Andrews Lutheran Church where he was a member on Saturday, October 19, 2024. Visitation will be held from 9-12 followed by the funeral at 12. Following will be a luncheon and then burial at the St. John's Lutheran Cemetery.
Mike was born on November 4, 1950, in Cedar Rapids to Lois and Harold Kerkman. As a child he lived in Van Horne, Ottumwa, and Hedrick Iowa. He was baptized on December 10, 1950, and was confirmed on May 29, 1966. He enlisted into the Navy in February of 1969 and served until November of 1972 during the Vietnam War on the USS Mars. He married Lorraine Coble on Sept 4th, 1976. Lorraine and Mike moved to Van Horne in the fall of 1976 to start farming the family farm.
Mike loved farming and driving a semi all over the county. He met many friends throughout the US while trucking. He knew every mile marker and would often tell everyone which mile marker they needed to go to when taking a trip. He was an active member of the Thomas F. Bevins Legion in Van Horne for many years and served as commander in his younger years as well as when he retired from trucking. He was a lifelong member of the 40/8, a lifelong member of the OOIDA, and a member of the NRA. Mike loved John Deere tractors and went on several tractorcades with his son-in-law. He loved farming and instilled the importance of keeping farming in the family to his children and grandchildren. He also continued managing the family's rental properties in Ottumwa after his father's passing. It was hard to be around Mike and not be laughing. He was a great story teller and had many stories to tell. Many of which were shared over the last few weeks with many visits from friends and family. Mike really enjoyed all the visits and laughs he had with everyone after returning home.
Mike is survived by his wife of 48 years, Lorraine Kerkman, two daughters, Danielle Kerkman of Blairstown and Christina (Jeremy) Volesky of Van Horne. Mike was very close to all his grandchildren and called them his "kidaroos". His grandkids meant the world to him and leaves behind Joe Kerkman of Blairstown, Bailey (Noah) Kerkman of Dysart, Michael S. Kerkman of Van Horne, and Keaten, Grant, and Makayla Volesky of Van Horne, as well as his great-grandsons Memphis and Otto Kerkman of Blairstown. His siblings include Diane (Robert) Crawford, Rena Fresh, Lori (Britt) Slicker-Bobby, his step-siblings Gary, Kenny, and Sheila and his brothers and sisters-in-law. As well as his Aunt Joann Tarbox. He also leaves behind his Basset Hound Carley Ann. He was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws, stepbrother Dennis, his daughter Glenda Kerkman, and great-granddaughter Charlotte Kerkman.
The family would like to thank Mercy Hospital Zone 31 and all of Mike's "girls" while he enjoyed his time in 3115 and also Essence of Life Hospice for all the assistance and support after Mike came home.
Online condolences:www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com
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