Michael Adam Kerner

While in the end it was his heart that failed, for 86 and a half years it was his heart that succeeded quite well. Mike was known for his service to his country (US Navy), his community (Pataskala Lions Club, the Pataskala Parks and Recreation board that brought Pataskala's Municipal Park pool into existence, SWL Academic Booster Club and Etna Township Zoning Commission), and his friends & family.

Part of the heart of service was that he enjoyed making others laugh. And laugh. Then laugh some more! He loved a good prank, including among other things scaring people with his story at the original opening scene of the Pataskala Haunted Forest. 

Through the years, in addition to his full time jobs at North American Rockwell and then JC Penney, Mike supported his family with 'side jobs' of plowing, discing and bush-hogging with his old Ford tractor, as well as landscaping yards in the growing community. 

But it wasn't just people that Mike loved. He had great love for nature/plants, as could be seen in the beauty that filled their property on Watkins Road until - and even after - it was sold, along with the many dogs the family had over the years, especially Snoopy, Judy, Patches, and the infamous Molly Dog. 

Mike enjoyed spending time with his family, instilling in each of them a love for at least one of the activities he so enjoyed. As the girls were growing up, one of the things they all did together was attending Pataskala United Methodist Church. Living on Broadway Street at the time, it was just a short walk away. Church friends and family often teased Mike that they knew they'd better get in front of him in line at potlucks! 

Mike was known by many names to many people. Mike, Mikey, Honey, Hard Rock, Dad, Daddio, Chief, Mr. Grandfather Sir, Chief Red Pen, Grandpa, Pop, Pa, Apple and probably more we haven't been aware of. 

Mike hated loud music, and absolutely despised gum no matter who was chewing it. Though not the tiniest bit of a sports fan, he was quite fiercely competitive in some areas and was known to play a mean game of Boggle, Poker, Euchre, and Pinochle. And he ALWAYS did the crosswords (even Sundays), sudokus, and cryptoquotes IN PEN. 

Mike drew his final, albeit labored, breath the morning of Sunday, July 12, 2026. 

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Joan ("Miss Daisy"), daughters and sons-in-law Pam Parsons, Deb and Dom Garda, Cindy and Jon Weir, Peg and Art Pereira. Grandchildren, Nancy (Josh) Truex, Adam Parsons, Aaron (Emily) Parsons, Ryan (Megan) Parsons, Keegan Parsons, Meaghan Parsons, and Kyle Parsons; Andy (Becca) Murray, Dominic Garda, Matt (Alaina) Garda, Kelly (Chris) Wilkin; Jason (Emma) Weir, Jordan (Sarah) Weir, and Hannah Weir; Michael Pereira, Marcus Pereira, and Christian Pereira. Also survived by great-grandchildren Daniel, Kait, Emily, Alex and Maddie Truex, Emery and Amaya Parsons, Benjamin Parsons; Nina and Sophia Garda; Carter and Taylor Wilkin; Sophie and JJ Weir. 

In addition to his parents and parents-in-law and many an old friend, Mike was preceded in death by their infant daughter, Diane.  

A Celebration of Life will take place on Monday, July 20, 2026 at the Pataskala Church of the Nazarene, 8100 Hazelton-Etna Rd. Visitation will begin at 1 pm, until service starts at 2pm. A meal will follow for all who are able to stay.

Should anyone wish to make a donation in memory of Mike, the family recommends Honor Flight, St. Jude, The Gary Sinise Foundation, and/or The Facial Pain Research Foundation.