Kerr, Michael Scott (1944 - 2019)

KERR, HOSS, SORENSEN

Posted By: Denise Wurner (email)
Date: 8/3/2019 at 08:06:58

Michael's Obituary

Michael Scott, son of Donald and Helyn (Hoss) Kerr, was born October 5, 1944, in Jefferson, Iowa. After World War II, Mike and his family moved to Oak Park, Illinois, where his father flew for American Airlines. Shortly thereafter, the family returned to Donald’s family farm near Manilla, Iowa. Mike attended country school at Jefferson #2 and #3 and graduated from Manilla High School in 1962. Shortly after graduating from University of Northern Iowa in 1966, Mike received his draft notice. He chose to enlist in the U.S. Army and attended Officer Candidate School in Fort Sill, Oklahoma attaining the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. He then served a year in El Paso, Texas as Platoon Leader of an Automatic Weapons Platoon. From 1968 to 1969, his platoon served on the DMZ separating North and South Vietnam. He received the Bronze Star and was honorably discharge in 1969 with the rank of Captain.

Mike was then offered a position with Lockheed Aircraft Corporation where he was a subcontract manager. His work moved him around from Burbank, California to Derby, England. In 1973, Mike and his wife returned to California, first to Northridge and Valencia and then to San Jose. He genuinely enjoyed working with Lockheed Martin on a variety of jet engine subcontracts, and commercial satellite and laser programs and other critical government communication programs. After 42 years of excellent and fascinating years with Lockheed, Mike retired on September 30, 2012, and returned to the family farm near Manilla, Iowa.

Mike actively participated in his children’s school activities, cub scouts, and his family to visit many states and their England grandparents. In spite of demanding aerospace work, Mike always put his family first. He truly loved and enjoyed his entire family. Travel and seeing all the good and beauty possible was a key part of Mike’s life – he had the good fortune to visit all 50 states, Southeast Asia, Japan, Australia and most of Western Europe.

On Tuesday, July 2, 2019, Mike passed away at Salem Lutheran Home in Elk Horn, Iowa. He was 74 years of age.

Mike is survived by Jane; two sons: Nick (Peggy) Kerr of Newport Beach, California and Tim Kerr of Manilla; three grandchildren: Brookelynn, Londyn and William Kerr; a brother Alex Kerr of Skykomish, Washington; a sister Sandy Sorenson of Fayetteville, North Carolina; and Sandy’s children: Kirsten, Butch and Jon Sorenson.

Masonic Service
Tuesday, July 9, 2019 ~ 7:00 PM
Ohde Funeral Home
Manilla, Iowa

Funeral Service
Wednesday, July 10, 2019 ~ 10:30 AM
United Methodist Church
Manning, Iowa
Pastor Joel Sutton, Officiating

Congregational Hymns
“Morning Has Broken”
“Battle Hymn of The Republic”

Casket Bearers
Jim Rasmussen Nick Kerr Tim Kerr
Jeremey Stangl Alex Kerr Butch Sorensen

Interment
Nishnabotna Cemetery
Manilla, Iowa

Military Honors
American Legion Post 132
U.S. Army Honor Guard

Visitation
Ohde Funeral Home, Manilla, IA
Tuesday, July 09, 2019
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
521 2nd Ave
Manilla, IA 51454

Masonic Memorial Service
Ohde Funeral Home, Manilla
Tuesday, July 09, 2019
7:00 PM
521 2nd Ave
Manilla, IA 51454

Funeral Service
United Methodist Church, Manning
Wednesday, July 10, 2019
10:30 AM
116 Center St
Manning, IA 51455
Visitation will be from 9:30 AM until service time.

Interment with Military Honors
Nishnabotna Cemetery
Wednesday, July 10, 2019
Manilla, IA

Source: Ohde Funeral Home (ohdefuneralhome.com)
Posted by Permission