John R. Kersten

John is survived by his loving wife Elizabeth of 28 years, sister Carol Thomas (Mike), and brother Dan (Leslie). His children were his pride and joy; Julie Sykes (Tom), Janis, Bartley deBrow (Janet), and Buffy Hurd. He especially cherished his five grandchildren, Reagan, Daxton, Benjamin, Reese, and Kersten.

John was born on November 6, 1941, in Detroit and was a lifelong resident of metro Detroit including Washington Twp. and Oakland Twp. In 1980, he took a leap of faith and became the broker owner of Century 21 Town & Country real estate with one office and eleven sales associates which grew to 16 offices across metro Detroit. He was extremely motivated and invigorated by fostering, supporting, and championing the Century 21 Town & Country family and it’s communities.

John was a dedicated and philanthropic member of the community who was extremely grateful for his life’s blessings. He expressed his gratitude by giving back in a myriad of ways, including being an active member of a variety of business, trade, community, faith, and non-profit organizations. Most notably, John was deeply committed to supporting Easter Seals and it’s mission for decades. With the help of his Town & Country colleagues, local business partnerships and the community at large, he created an extremely successful approach to fundraising that has helped raise over $21 million for children and adults with disabilities in Michigan which continues to this day. While he was extremely grateful for the numerous awards he received throughout his career, he was especially proud of his work with Easter Seals. In 2015, the National Association of Realtors honored John as the recipient of the Good Neighbor award for his dedicated service to the Easter Seals mission.

John dearly loved his family, his lifelong friendships, desserts of all types, suits and ties, dining with friends, enjoying movies, years boating and fishing around Lake St. Clair and the Great Lakes, attending his grandkids’ activities, and spending time at Great Oaks where he was a past president and board member, a passionate golfer and a regular on the gin rummy circuit.

John impacted countless lives, in ways both big and small. He was a strong believer in second chances. He was quick to help those in need of support or a shoulder to lean on. He was a man of deep faith and hope. John was always quick to share some words of wisdom including, “What one can perceive, one can achieve.” He lived life to the fullest and liked to share his “joie de vivre” with his family and friends. John will be greatly missed and remembered dearly by those who knew him and cherished him.

Preceding John in death were his parents Johanna and William Kersten; sister Marie; brother William; and former wife Kay, mother of Julie and Janis.

John’s family will welcome all to a memorial gathering on Sunday February 5th, 2023 from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. with a scripture service at 7 p.m. at Pixley Funeral Home, located at 322 W. University Drive in downtown Rochester, Michigan. A memorial mass will be held on Monday February 6th, 2023 at 11 a.m. (gathering 10:30 a.m.) at St. Andrew Catholic Church, located at 1400 Inglewood Avenue in Rochester.

The family asks in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to Easter Seals MORC in Auburn Hills, MI.

Share memories online at www.pixleyFH.com.