Steven "Steve" Kerns

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Wednesday, December 4, 2002
at the Maryhouse Sub Acute Center in Pierre at the age of 41

Steven L. "Steve" Kerns was born January 23, 1961 in Kadoka, South Dakota, the son of Daryl "Pete" and Linda (Dittman) Kerns.

He grew up and received his education in Murdo, graduating from Jones County High School in 1979. While in high school, Steve enjoyed competing in many sports.

After graduation, Steve worked various jobs in the Murdo area.

Steve was united in marriage to Cindy Morrison on September 4, 1982 in Philip, South Dakota.

They made their home on the Morrison farm/ranch twenty-two miles northwest of Philip. He worked with his father and mother-in-law Clark and Bonnie Morrison.

In 1992, due to health reasons, the family moved into Philip, where they have since resided.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife Cindy Kerns of Philip; three sons, Jeremy, Shawn, and Dana Kerns of Philip; his mother Linda Kerns of Murdo; four brothers Mike Kerns of Murdo; Kim Kerns and his wife Lori of Black Hawk, Bart Kerns of Murdo, and John Kerns and his wife Carrie of Mesa, Arizona; four sisters Brenda Polk and her husband Glenn of Tucson, Arizona, Michele McNeely and her husband Jim of Murdo, Connie Kralicek and her husband Kelly of Dickinson, North Dakota, and Lori Nielsen of Murdo; his father and mother-in-law Clark and Bonnie Morrison of Philip; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Steve was preceded in death by his father Pete Kerns.

Visitation was held 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, December 6, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip and one hour preceding the services at the church on Saturday.

Funeral services for Steve Kerns, age 41, of Philip, were held 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, at the United Church in Philip, with Pastor Jeff Tippner officiating.

Interment was at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.

MINISTER
Pastor Jeff Tippner

MUSIC
JoAnn Stilwell – Organist
Brockdon Porch - Guitarist
David Burnett - Vocalist
"Nobody Knows"
"Every Breath You Take"

USHERS
Clark Guthrie -Doug Jackson - Jeff Penticoff

PALLBEARERS
Mike Moses - Jim McNeely
Dale Morrison - Ed Morrison
Dennis Kirchhevel - Kelly Kralicek

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance

INTERMENT
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota

"The Best"

God saw you getting tired
And a cure was not to be.
So He put His arms around you
And whispered "Come to Me."

With tearful eyes we watched you,
And saw you pass away.
Although we loved you dearly,
We could not make you stay,

A golden heart stopped beating,
Hard working hands at rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us,
He only takes the best.

Service Details

Funeral Services
10:00 a.m.
Saturday, December 7, 2002
United Church in Philip

Guest Book

Steve was a very special cousin, and he we be greatly missed. Cindy and the boys must always remember that Steve loved you all very much. I see Steve in the boys and that is something very special. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
   ~ Pam Bryan PO Box 34, Oacoma, SD 57365 (12/4/2002)
Cindy, Jeremy, Shawn and Dana:
We are very sorry for your loss. May your love and memories comfort you. You are in our prayers.
   ~ Chris, Rocky, William and Molly Coyle . (12/4/2002)
Dear Cindy, Jeremy, Shawn and Dana,
Our hearts go out to you at this time. Steve was a great husband and father. He loved you all so very much. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May you cherish all of your wonderful
memories to help you deal with the grief.
Alex found this poem that we thought was very fitting to Steve. Its called:
"A GLOW"
I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one.
I'd like to leave an after glow of smiles when life is done.
I'd like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways.
Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days.
I'd like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun
of happy memories that I leave when life is done.
   ~ Don, Wanda, Alex and Riley Moses Fairmont, NE (12/4/2002)