Hank was born June 29, 1924, to Dr. William F.T. and Henrietta Kerssen on the family farm in Fosston, Minn. The youngest of seven children, Hank arrived prematurely, and was placed in an old shoebox by the wood stove, as he was not expected to live.
In Minnesota, he worked for five years for NEA Construction, replacing power line utility poles in all sorts of inclement weather. In 1950, Hank and his first wife Evelyn (Rindahl) moved their family to Washington, residing in Winlock. He worked for Shakertown Corporation for many years, all the while farming and raising livestock. After Evelyn's passing, Hank married Jerry (Cusic) in 1963. Hank worked at Keen and Howard Lumber, Hercules Dynamite Plant, and Satsop Nuclear Plant. A carpenter at heart, he started his own Pre-Hung Door and Finish Carpentry business. After Jerry's passing, Hank married Evelyn (White) in 1979. Together they managed the Timbers Apartments on Ruddell Road in Lacey. In retirement, they traveled to Minnesota to visit family, made several trips to Reno, and took many weeklong RV trips to Grayland Beach for clam digging, crabbing, and playing pinochle. They were avid sturgeon-fishing partners (and quite good at it) - not to leave out fun shared at Saturday night dances! Mention holiday bazaars, and the activity began: selling wood crafted planter boxes, benches and his well-known bird houses, along with dresser drawers and much more. He passed his skill of carpentry on to his grandsons.
After Evelyn’s death in 2007, and a stroke in 2010, Hank went to live with his son, Larry, in Renton, until six months ago. More recently, a special granddaughter, Amy Losoya, had been planning a 95th birthday party for him at Borst Park.
Hank was preceded in death by his parents; six siblings; and beloved wives Evelyn Ruth (Rindahl) Kerssen in 1962, Geraldine Anne (Cusic) Kerssen in 1978, and Evelyn Jean (Milliern) Kerssen in 2007; his loving and humorous daughter, Lisa (Kerssen) McHayle in 2012; and daughter-in-law, Kathy Stanley, in 2016.
Hank was a good man. He is survived by his children, Larry Kerssen, Renton; Carolyn (Jim) Lakey, Chehalis; Judy (Steve) Hartshorn, Vancouver; Marlys Ross, Kelso; Marcy (Tim) Pallett, Lahaina, Hawaii; Cathy Kerssen, Centralia; Debbie Hadley, Olympia; Ed (Cheryl) Stanley, Shelton; and Fred (Sandy) Stanley, Dewey, Ariz.; 21 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Dibble, Napavine; Helga Milliern, Centralia; Bonnie Baker, Elma; and brother-in-law Fred (Irene) Richardson, Chehalis.
The family is grateful for the kind and generous care Hank received at Chehalis West Assisted Living and Oakwood Haven Assisted Adult Family Home in Centralia.
A graveside service will be held at 11 am, Saturday, June 22, at Greenwood Memorial Park, 1882 Van Wormer Rd, Centralia. Friends and family are invited to attend a potluck celebration of Hank's life following the service at the large picnic shelter behind kitchen #1 at Borst Park in Centralia. Arrangements are in the care of Sticklin Funeral Chapel, Centralia.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18