Gerald Allen “Jerry” Kerschner, age 77 of Lawrenceville, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, November 17, 2020. He was born May 22, 1943 in Marion, IN to Rev. Clarence Kerschner and his wife Evelyn Stephens Kerschner.
He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army and had been stationed in Germany as a medic.
He was always a family man and spent a lot of time with his siblings and nieces and nephews. Family reunions and playing golf with his father and brothers were cherished times for him. His mother was a huge influence on Jerry’s character and the type of man he became.
Jerry married Sharon Shoulders on December 19, 1969.
He immediately inherited another family (The Shoulders Clan of Lukin) who grew to love him very much. He was great friends with Beck and Wanda and devoted to his brothers and sisters-in-law, treating them as his own. That same love and respect continued on through their children, his nieces and nephews. After Beck passed at an early age, Jerry became the backbone of the family and never looked back.
Jerry spent most of his life in sales and traveled a lot. The family spent several years on the west coast- camping and traveling. He enjoyed taking his sons on his sales trips and spending time with them. He was known on the west coast as the “King of Barbecue Ribs and Chicken” at different venues including Quartzite, AZ. Jerry and Sharon moved back to the Bridgeport area when their children were grown, and Jerry became involved with his clubs. He became the Commander of the Bridgeport Legion and enjoyed spending time at the VFW with his fellow Veteran’s and friends.
He enjoyed cooking and loved eating great food. Dining out with family was a huge part of his life.
He was a great Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Great-Grandfather. He will be sadly missed by so many.
Surviving family members include: his wife of 50 years- Sharon Kerschner of Lawrenceville: three children- Jim Brown of Denver, CO, Scott Kerschner of New Orleans, LA, David Kerschner and wife Dena of Bridgeport: two grandchildren he and Sharon raised and loved as their own: Corey Kerschner of Lawrenceville and Ashton Kerschner Perry and husband Charles of Bridgeport: two sisters- Linda Dodd of Springfield and Judy Kierstead of Maryland: eight other beloved grandchildren- Olivia Kerschner of New Orleans, LA, Sam Brown and Dan Brown of Colorado, and Elliot Runkle, David “Davey” Kerschner, Nick Runkle, Kaden Runkle, and Avery Kerschner of Bridgeport: two great-grandchildren- Ellie and Declan Perry of Bridgeport: one brother-in-law- Terry Shoulders: seven sisters-in-law: Wanda Kerschner, Joan Jett, Shirley Koberstein and husband Kenny, Becky Churchwell Gann, Susie Dowty and husband Randy, Anita Girardi and husband Tommy, and Jane Shoulders: and several nieces and nephews whom he loved very much.
Jerry was preceded in death by: his parents- Rev. Clarence and Evelyn Kerschner: in-laws- Sylvester “Beck” and Wanda (Cox) Shoulders: two brothers- Michael and Charles Kerschner: and three brothers-in-law- Danny, Bobby, and Leroy Shoulders.
A graveside service for Jerry will be held at 12:00 p.m. on December 5, 2020 at Bridgeport City Cemetery. Military rites will be given at the cemetery. Cunningham Funeral Homes is assisting the family at this time of loss.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Lawrenceville VFW directly or through the funeral home. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.cunninghamfuneralhomes.com.