Pastor John E. Kerr, 81, of Otsego, MN, passed away peacefully on Feb. 1, 2021, after a 6 month battle with lung and brain cancer. He was born in Marion, Ohio, to Judson and Rowena Kerr on Sept. 10, 1939.
John graduated from Capital University where he met his wife, Diane. He then attended Trinity Lutheran Seminary, graduating in 1965 with a Bachelor of Divinity degree. Due to his love of learning; he also received his Masters of Sacred Theology and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Trinity in Bexley, OH.
After seminary graduation, John and Diane moved to Clifton, IL, to begin his pastoral ministry at Zion Lutheran. He then pastored at St. John’s Lutheran in Lithopolis, OH, and Good Hope Lutheran in Bucyrus, OH, before moving the family to Coon Rapids to become the Sr. Pastor at Faith Lutheran for 20 years. After retiring in 2005, John also served as an interim pastor in Palo Alto, CA, St. Paul, MN, Eau Claire, WI, Sauk Rapids, MN, Shoreview, MN, Ames IA, and Isanti, MN (seven interims in MN, IA, WI, and CA).
John is survived by his wife, Diane, of 59 yrs.; sons, Stephen (Beth), Thomas (Sherri); daughter, Kristin (Curt); as well as 9 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren; along with a brother, Robert (Cathy).
Preceding him in death were his parents, Judson & Rowena Kerr; sister, Karen (John); as well as aunts, uncles and cousins of the Kerr & Wagner family.
The family appreciates the loving and caring services of Allina Hospice and the JA Wedum Hospice Center where John passed away.
Public visitation will be Friday, Feb. 5, 2021 from 5-7 p.m. at the Gearhart Funeral Home, Coon Rapids, MN. A public memorial service will take place at Faith Lutheran Church, Coon Rapids once it’s safe to gather again.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Faith Lutheran Church, Coon Rapids, American Cancer Society, or gifts to local charities.
