William James "Bill" Kerns Obituary – LaPorte, IN | The Times – Legacy.com

William "Bill" James Kerns

Feb. 25, 1940 - Jan. 16, 2021

NEW BRIGHTON, MN - William "Bill" James Kerns, 80, of New Brighton, passed away January 16, 2021.

He was born February 25, 1940 in Lakeside, MI to Florence and Elmer Kerns. He was the youngest of seven children.

He is survived by his best friend and devoted wife, Lois Kerns; and his two daughters: Jayne Kerns Swystun and Lisa (Chris) Morrissette. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Taylor (Kaytie) Swystun, Brittany Swystun, Chase Morrissette, Catherine Swystun, Mackenzie Morrissette, and Natasha Swystun; and one newborn great-granddaughter, Susannah Swystun. He is also survived by his older brother, Robert "Bob" Kerns.

Throughout Bill and Lois's marriage of 61 years, they resided in Valparaiso, IN; Tucson, AZ; Port Arthur, TX and finally New Brighton, MN, where they have resided for over 37 years. While pursuing many careers over the years, Bill and Lois successfully established their own business, Microtrace, and retired in 2013.

Bill had many passions in life. The most important was spending time with family. He loved his role as grandfather, "Grampy", and attending hockey/lacrosse games and dance recitals. Bill also loved helping Lois in the yard, working with the flowers and relaxing in his gazebo.

He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed fishing in Rhinelander, WI as well as around the Minneapolis area. Bill enjoyed visiting his family in CA, MI, and IN. He was an aviation enthusiast and loved seeing a plane flying overhead and identifying its make and model. Bill was involved in the local public safety and first responder volunteer organization, and loved volunteering to help his neighborhood and neighbors. Always enjoying a conversation, Bill had a kind, gentle, easy going manner. His sense of humor endeared him to all. Bill will be greatly missed.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Doris, Polly, Elmer, Jr (Butch), Margaret, and Vivian.

A private graveside service for family only will be held at Graceland Cemetery, Valparaiso, IN. Sunset Funeral Home is caring for the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association and the American Lung Association.

Published by The Times on Jan. 25, 2021.

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William James "Bill" Kerns Obituary - LaPorte, IN | The Times - Legacy.com