LaVern A. "Pete" Kerska

LaVern "Pete" A. Kerska of Coon Valley and Pettibone Marina, Dock H. LaCrosse, died honorably, Saturday, May 9th, following a recent diagnosis of cancer. He was able to enjoy several days surrounded by family and friends in the place he loved to be-on the river. He was born in Melvina, Feb 21st, 1941 to Luella and Albert Kerska. His love for the river began early. He also spent many days as a boy on the Lee Farm in Coon Valley. Many of his watercraft skills were learned during his service in the US Navy from 1960 to 1964. While aboard the USS Leary, Pete became leading petty officer of his division and was awarded a Letter of Commendation in Sept 1961 for his performance and outstanding abilities. After being honorably discharged in 1964 he began working for LaCrosse Cooler Company and then LaCrosse Insulation. In 1965 he married Darlene H. Young from LaFarge, WI. They divorced in 1991. Together they had four daughters. In 1974 he moved his family to a dairy farm in Harmony Township on North Ridge Rd, Genoa, WI. Pete was a man who valued hard work and taking care of your own. He was a man who knew how to do everything that needed to be done and defined independence. He was tough but loving. In 2009, the then downsized farm was sold and he moved to the marina, which was a dream he had always had, for the summers. He spent his winters back in Coon Valley at the Lee Farm. Pete's best days were spent with his friends and family on his boat with a fishing pole and cooler. A week with Grandpa Pete was cherished and usually spent outdoors where he tirelessly taught his family what he had learned. The annual family sandbar weekends, the afternoon cruises with friends, fish fries in the harbor, showed that he loved life and lived life to the fullest.

A Great Big Thank You to all the individuals who made the first boat ride of this year on "Pete's Paradise" extra special.

Survivors include four daughters; Kimberly McGregor (Jeremy Melby) of Westby, WI., Susan (Brent) Banta of Wisconsin Rapids, WI., Renee (Rod Glaman) of Wautoma, WI., Tana (Adam)Derringer of Sun Prairie, four grandchildren: Ethan McGregor of Viroqua, WI., Reece and Alyssa Banta, and Bryan Kerska; one sister Leilah (Syl) Dowiasch of Black River Falls, WI., two brothers: LeRoy (Diane) Kerska of LaCrosse, and LaMont(Sue)Kerska of Souix Falls, SD, many nieces and nephews and his best friend Mike Nimocks of LaCrosse.

A Life Celebration will be held from 10 a.m. until 12 noon on Saturday May 23, 2015 at the Seland Funeral Home in Coon Valley. Military honors will proceed immediately at the Coon Valley Veteran's Memorial with lunch to follow at the Coon Valley American Legion Hall. Online condolences may be offered at selandsfuneralhome.com. Memorials may be given to Gundersen Hospice, the Coon Valley American Legion Post 116 or the charity of your choice.

a�""There's no doubt about that - Cool"