Clifford G. Kersten

Obituary

Clifford Gordon Kersten was born on January 2, 1953, in Zumbrota, Minnesota. He was the son of Gordon and Ina (Chatwood) Kersten. Cliff was baptized as an infant on May 24, 1953. Cliff and his family moved frequently during his childhood. Some of his favorite places growing up were Phelps Mill, on the Ottertail River, in Underwood, Minnesota, and in Delano, Minnesota, where he met his best friend, Ricky. In his younger years, Cliff rode horses, took neighborhood kids out exploring, and “getting into trouble”. He earned his GED in 1975.

Cliff entered active military service in the United States Navy on February 17, 1970, in Bethel, Minnesota, and served his country during the Vietnam War. He received an Honorable Discharge on March 5, 1971, at Naval Station in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and achieved the rate of Seaman Recruit.

On April 10, 1981, Cliff was united in marriage to Marla Bollingmo in Watertown, South Dakota. This marriage was blessed with three children, Jarrod, Cassandra, and Kyle, and two children from a previous marriage, Rickie and Jessica. Cliff and Marla resided in Hector. Together they shared 41 years and 26 days of marriage.

Cliff was employed in maintenance for many years. He worked at Holiday Inn, various apartment buildings in Hutchinson, and Sparboe Farms. He was most recently at Prairie View Assisted Living in Hector, where he was most helpful to the residents there. He retired in 2020.

Cliff became quite a “techy” giving out free advice. He liked anything electronic and had gadgets all over the house. Cliff could fix just about anything and if he didn’t know how, he would certainly figure it out.

Cliff and Marla liked going to thrift stores, rummage sales, and estate sales, always searching for that “million-dollar item”. He enjoyed fishing and eagerly awaited for opening day, when he would get up before dawn, put on his waders, and fish all day. Cliff often took his son, Jarrod, and nephews, Chris and Wes, on excursions to nearby lakes. He loved classic cars, and watching car shows on television. Cliff became an avid bird watcher, and liked to try different bird feeders to see which one would keep the squirrels away. It seemed like he had a personal relationship with the Blue Jays in the backyard. Cliff especially enjoyed spending time with his family, children, grandchildren and friends.

Cliff passed away on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, at the age of 71 years.

Blessed be his memory.

Cliff is survived by his:
Wife, Marla Kersten of Hector, MN;
Children, Jarrod Bollingmo,
Cassandra Sherwood and her significant other, Ken Suess,
Kyle Kersten and his significant other, Lynee Freeman;
Grandchildren, Harmoni Wolff, Gabriel Wolff, Maleki Kersten, Noah Kersten, Jameson Kersten;
Brother, Michael Kersten;
Sisters, Kristi Kittock and her husband, Dave;
Sue Drew and her husband, Steve,
Lisa Thurston and her husband, Tony,
Heidi Cooling and her husband, Robert,
Teri Griffin and her husband, Denoa;
Many Nieces, Nephews, and many other relatives and friends.

Cliff is preceded in death by his Father, Gordon Kersten; Mother, Ina Stoecki; Step-father, Hans Stoecki.