Thomas Gerald Kershner's Obituary
Thomas Gerald Kershner, 73, of Clinton, passed through the valley to find his resting spot high on the mountain on Wednesday, May 6, 2015. Thomas was surrounded by his loving family when he was finally able to find rest after many long health battles and miraculous recoveries at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
Services will be held at 10 AM, Tuesday, May 12, 2015 at the Church of the Open Door, Clinton, with Pastor Wayne Wiersema and Pastor James Machen Sr. officiating. Visitation will be held from 3 PM to 7 PM, Monday, May 11, 2015 at the Church of the Open Door. The Clinton Chapel, Snell-Zornig Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements. Burial will be at Clinton Lawn Cemetery
Online condolences may be expressed by visiting his obituary at www.snellzornig.com.
Thomas was born April 9, 1942 in Clinton, Iowa, the son of Edward and Elizabeth (Buckman) Kershner. He attended St. Mary’s and Clinton schools before enlisting in the United States Navy, proudly serving his country from 1963-1966 where he was a boilermaker technician aboard the USS McCaffery.
He then met and married Catherine Webb, March 6, 1967 in Clinton, Iowa and together they had 5 children. He began work in construction and was involved in many projects in the community, including the building of Jane Lamb Hospital. He was later employed as a Railroad engineer with the Chicago Northwestern and Union Pacific Railroads until he retired in 2005. He was also the President of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers.
Thomas spent his life pursuing his many talents and passions. He was an avid traveler and made it a priority to take his family on vacation each year. He later went to college to study photography, where his family has credited him as being the inventor of the selfie. One of his favorite pastimes was golfing. He enjoyed taking golf trips with friends, and though an excellent teacher, he would often tell you he had a wicked hook shot and the game usually got the better of him. He was a devoted Hawkeye fan and could regularly be found yelling at the radio or television during a game. Always the highlight of any event, Thomas made an entrance and always left you with a smile on your face or with a laugh. He had an incredible sense of humor and brightened up the room with his witty remarks and antics.
Even with all of his hobbies and the work he did, his favorite way to spend time was with his family. He cherished his role as father and grandfather and believed them to be his greatest accomplishment. He often talked about his family with pride. This also included his church family. Thomas was an active member at Gateway Faith Fellowship Church in Fulton, IL, where he was loving given the title of Worship Cop.
Those left to cherish his memories and continue his legacy include his children, Pam (Corey) Wilkins of Clinton; Mary (Matt) Sanderson of Fulton, Illinois; Tom (Gabriella) Kershner of Clinton; Jennifer (Mat) Johnson of Clinton; John (Nicole) Kershner of Fulton, IL. His 14 grandchildren, Zachary, Blake, Alexis, Seth, Hannah, Audrey, Bailee, Cody, Ethan, Gracie, Marshall, Olivia, Noah, Levi and 1 great grandson, Paxton. Brothers, Edward (Marilyn) Kershner of Clinton and Dick (Nancy) Kershner of San Angelo, TX.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, a sister, Sally Kester and brother, Gary Kershner.
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