Fredrick J. Kersten

FRED IS NOW DANCING WITH THE ANGELS


Fredrick "Fred" J. Kersten, 66, of Overland Park, passed away on March 3, 2020. He was born on March 23, 1953 to John and Mary (Krings) Kersten in Leavenworth, KS.

Fred grew up in Leavenworth, Kansas and attended Catholic grade and high schools. Fred showed artistic skills from early on. In 1969 he won an award from the Home Builder's Association of Greater Kansas City for his design of a model home, winning first place and a $100 award at the Home Show. During his senior year, Fred took the initiative to plan, design and decorate the main bulletin board each week using a different theme. He also used his talents to decorate, design and construct the homecoming royalty throne that year. His design ideas were always totally his own and came from his heart.

Throughout his life, Fred applied and improved his artistic skills. He graduated from the art school in Salina, Kansas. He loved to draw, paint, and create. He had a unique eye for design, color and layout, which was evident as you drove up to his home and entered the house. He loved gardening and yard work and was very proud of how his home looked inside and out. Fred would work diligently on a project until he was comfortable and satisfied; always setting his expectations much higher than anyone else.

Annual Kansas City area art fairs were his passion. He loved perusing the exhibits and seeing the works of the many different artists. Fred also enjoyed attending gallery shows and visiting art museums. He never tried of this and was always looking for events to attend.

Fred worked for Gill Studios, Incorporated for 42 years. He was proud of his career and was noted for always going above and beyond to assure his work was correct and met his employer's high quality standards. He loved his work and adapted as his job changed and became more computerized.

Fred lived his life to the fullest. He was a great dancer! He loved all types of music – disco (his favorite), classic, show tunes and just about any other type. He always had the time to listen to any music and the energy to go out with friends to have fun and dance. Fred was such a kind and considerate person and always included others who might otherwise be alone.

Fred relished the performing arts. He attended Starlight Theatre and local dinner theaters for many years. Kansas City plays, along with orchestra and theatrical productions were always on his "To Do" list. Fred was also enthusiastic about eating out and having a good meal and fun times with friends and family. He was energized being around others.

Fred was diagnosed with cancer immediately following his retirement. He maintained a positive attitude and willingness to try anything the doctors offered to treat and cure his cancer. He developed a heartfelt love for Ability KC where he received 6-hour therapy treatment, every Monday through Friday from a very special team. The facility worked with Fred to maintain his ability to walk and function independently during this time. He put up a great fight, however, the cancer returned in January of this year. Fred was devastated by this news, but remained positive. He wanted to enjoy the remainder of his life the best he could. He appreciated all the phone calls, text messages and cards he received during his fight with the cancer. He felt blessed with both his friends and family and the love and kindness they showed him over the years.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Patrick Kersten. He is survived by his siblings, Nancy McEvay, John (Mary) Kersten Jr., Tom (Bonnie) Kersten, and Dan Kersten; many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews; as well as his guardian angel, Tim Tatlock.

The family will receive guests for a visitation from 1:00-2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2020, at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home's Olathe Chapel, with a memorial service following at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Ability KC, 3011 Baltimore Ave, Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108 or donate online (control +click to open link) https://abilitykc.org/give/ or Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care, 1500 Meadow Lake Pkwy, Ste 200, Kansas City, MO 64114.





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