Ronald Kersten

Ronald M. Kersten, 92, passed away on Sept. 20, 2013. He was born July 1, 1921, in Carlinville, Illinois, and raised in Wahoo, Nebraska. He served as a Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy during World War II, while stationed in the South Pacific. Upon completion of his military duty, he entered Oklahoma State University, where he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Business.In 1950, he began his career working in the oil fields of west Texas. From there he worked in various management positions in the natural gas utilities industry. He retired as President of Hoosier Gas Corporation in Vincennes on June 30, 1987, after 25 years of service.He was very active in many professional and civic service roles, including the Chamber of Commerce, Cub Scouts, and served as President of the Vincennes Kiwanis in 1969. He served as Chairman of the Nomination Committee and was a Board of Directors member for Vincennes University Foundation. He also served as a volunteer for the Salvation Army, and was a lifelong member of the American Legion. While attending Oklahoma State University, he was elected President of Phi Delta Theta fraternity, and was named in the 1950 edition of Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities. He served as Board Member and was a Chairman of the Joint Accounting Committee of the Indiana Gas and Electric Association.He was preceded in death by his first wife, Billie in 1961, his second wife Harriette, of 32 years, on Sept. 4, 2013; a twin brother, Randall; and a step-granddaughter, Heidi Vickers. He is survived by his son, Ronald Kersten, Jr. (Carma) of St. Augustine, FL; his daughter, Margo Moore (Dave) of Oxford, N.Y; a granddaughter, Dr. Kara Smith (Jason); great-granddaughters, Amelia and Caroline Smith of Noblesville, IN; a step-grandson, Dustin Vickers (Alison); step-grandchildren, Austin and Hanna Vickers of St. Augustine, Fl.; a step-son, Michael Daughtery (Mary) and step-grandchildren, Emma Daughtery Gergin, Anna Maura, and Issac Daughtery of St. Paul, Minnesota; brothers Robert Kersten of Orlando, Fl and Kenny Kersten, of Evansville, Indiana.A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, at 1:00, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Friends may visit with the family from 12:00 - 1:00 at the church. Burial will be in Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Newton, Illinois.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pet Port or the Salvation Army. Online condolences may be sent to the family through goodwinfamilyfh.com.