Arden J Kjersten

Arden Jerome Kjersten, 89, passed away on February 17, 2022, at his home in Oklahoma City, surrounded by family. He was born on March 20, 1932, in Sacred Heart, Minnesota, to parents Jennie and Andrew Kjersten, and older siblings Glen and Mildred. Arden grew up on the family farm in Minnesota. At age 20, he joined the United States Air Force. He faithfully served his country for 20 years, and was stationed at Nellis Air Force Base, in Las Vegas, NV. He served in Korea, Vietnam, Germany, and a host of other places. After retiring, Arden was a proud veteran and loved to tell others about his time in the service. He dedicated an additional 20 years, working in a civil service position, as an aircraft maintenance supervisor at both Nellis Air Force Base and Tinker Air Force Base in Midwest City, OK. After retiring from civil service, he worked part-time for Napa Auto Parts. While living in Las Vegas, Arden met and married the love of his life, Shirley Jean Ivans. Together, with Arden’s daughter Chantal, and Shirley’s children - Anita, Kenny, Greg and Jeff, they blended their families into one. Arden’s greatest passion was his family, and he loved spending time with them - boating, water skiing, camping, hunting, fishing, and playing cards. Arden had a talent for drawing, and enjoyed photography. He loved all things “cars” - fixing them, going to car shows, looking at car magazines - and for most of his life, was the family mechanic. Arden was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Jennie Kjersten; wife, Shirley Kjersten; brother, Glen Kjersten; sister, Mildred Lecy; son, Kenneth James; and granddaughter, Kelly Marie Gwinn. Arden is survived by his daughter, Chantal McAtee; daughter, Anita James; son, Greg Stephens and daughter-in-law, Lynda; son, Jeff Stephens; daughters-in-law, Denise Gearin, Debbie Lynch and Denise Stephens; grandchildren: Kristen; Trina and husband, Matt; Justin and partner, DeDe; Ashley and fiancé, Ruben; Jason and wife, Jennifer; Amanda; Jessica and fiancé, Casey; Deanna; Kyle; Trevor and fiancé, Louisa; great-grandchildren: Jaden, Ivory, Baylee, Kaia, RJ (Rahni), Ariana, RJ (Gonzalez Stephens), Soren, and Hazel; several cherished nieces, nephews and their families; and lastly, his loyal friend (and fierce protector) of 13 years, his beloved dog, Sonny Boy.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.billmerrittfuneralservice.com for the Kjersten family.