Sheryl William Kerner

In loving memory of our father Sheryl William "Bill" Kerner, who passed away on Saturday, December 31, 2022. He was the devoted husband of Joan Alice Harlan (deceased) and the awesome dad of Teresa Joan "Terri" Mattingly, Cheryl Ann Broberg, and Nancy Elaine Fresonke (deceased); and a fantastic "Santa grandpa". Dad was one of the kindest souls on this planet, a gentle, giving man who worked tirelessly, at times working two sometimes three jobs, to ensure that his family had everything they needed. Dad was determined to provide for his family, while also providing many adventures while we were young. We belonged to the Red Dale trailer club which took us camping on weekends and enabled us to travel to many states for large group gatherings. Dad and mom continued traveling after we were grown and out of the house, we lived in different states, however, they made a point of visiting for special days, and holidays to Hawaii, Georgia, California, Montana, and Florida. He enjoyed the great outdoors whether it was hunting or fishing with us girls or Uncle Bob and cousin David Skagen. At seventeen, dad joined the Montana National Guard in October 1954 and then transferred to the Army Reserve in October 1955. Dad was a Mess Stewart and was responsible to train the cooks. Maybe this is where he got his love for cooking and baking, as we have many of his recipes. He was honorably discharged in July 1962, then in February 1963 he joined the Air Force Reserve, and served as a records clerk until the unit was deactivated in 1965. Dad was very proud to serve his country in this manner. Dad was very generous with his time and talent which was evident by his volunteering and involvement in different community organizations over the years. He volunteered as a Girl Scout chaperon driving us on field trips, as well as camping trips. He was passionate about bringing Santa Claus to children wherever he could. His service as Santa began when Terri asked him to be 'Santa' for work in 1991. He officially retired from the Santa Pack this last summer, July 2022. Many of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren fondly called him "Santa Grandpa" aka Santa Bill. Many parishioners have pictures of their children or an entire family with 'Santa Bill'. For 40 years dad was an active member of the Knights of Columbus. His service to the church began in 1983 while living in Utah and continued when he moved to Vancouver, WA. In 2002, Dad was instrumental in starting the fourth degree at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Vancouver, WA., where he was active until his health started to decline. He was very active in the many fundraisers the Knights were involved in, his favorites were the Sunday breakfasts, fireworks stand, and being "Santa Bill" the first Sunday in December. Dad enjoyed volunteering as a Eucharist Minister which led to him volunteering at Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center. He volunteered at the welcome desk and when needed the gift shop. He was honored on his 85th birthday with an award for serving 16 years totaling 3,410 hours. He was predeceased by his mother Lydia Henke and daughter Nancy (Dean) Fresonke. He is survived by daughters Teresa 'Terri' (John) Mattingly; Cheryl Broberg; grandchildren, David (Beth) Tanner; Travis (Chelsea) Tanner, Jeremy (Cassie) Tanner; Casie (Charles) Daem-Knight, Christy (Brian) Rand; Cathy (Miguel) Covarrubias; Caylee Spencer; Alex (Meagan) Fresonke; Roxi (Andrew) Byrd; and Max Fresonke. Great grandchildren: Joseph, Katie, Emily, Annabelle, Boden, Molly, Dean, Peter, Evie Lou, Avalon, Avery, Gene, and Luke. Step grandchildren: Jennifer, Amy, Michael, Andrew (Chelsea), Ben (Kelsie). Step-great-grandchildren: Andrew, Charlotte, Carmen, Meara, Kylar, Aria, Davis, Caitlin, Evelyn, Kaylee, Elliot, Jack, Ella, Elias, Jonah, and Cecelia. In-law Janet (Bob) Skagen, and numerous nieces and nephews. As well as the many, many children who called him Santa. There will be a rosary at 10:30 followed by the funeral Mass, Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at 11:00 am at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Vancouver WA. A reception in Vogel Hall will immediately follow. Internment will take place this summer in Billings MT.

Sheryl William Kerner

March 21, 1937 - December 31, 2022