Richard "Dick" Herman Kersten

NEW MIDDLETOWN - Richard "Dick" Herman Kersten, 81, of New Middletown, died Friday, October 11, 2013, at Northside Medical Center following a lengthy illness.

He was born December 17, 1931, in Youngstown, the son of the late Herman and Mildred (Gaughan) Kersten.

Dick graduated from Canfield High School in 1951 and served in the United States Air Force. He was employed for thirty-five years as a foreman for Metal Carbides before retiring in 1992. Dick served as an elder at the Old Springfield United Church of Christ. He was active in many organizations including Junior Achievement, and he was a trustee for the Zion Cemetery Board. He was an avid golfer and played in many leagues, and he was a fan of the Cleveland Browns and Indians and The Ohio State Buckeyes.

Dick was preceded in death on April 15, 1999, by his wife, Dorothy (Rotar) Kersten, whom he married April 12, 1957. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Keith Kersten.

Survivors include two daughters: JoMarie Orr and her husband Robert of New Middletown, and Susan Ricketts and her husband Larry of New Springfield; two sons: Robert Jackson of Gulf Breeze, FL, and Jeffrey Jackson and his wife Karen of Ormond Beach, FL; and one sister: Joan Music of South Carolina. Also surviving are nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, October 16, 2013, at the Old Springfield Church of Christ, 11957 Youngstown Pittsburgh Road in Petersburg.

Burial will be in Zion Cemetery.

Friends may call from 5:00-8:00 pm Tuesday, October 15, 2013, and one hour prior to the funeral service on Wednesday at the Old Springfield Church of Christ.

The family would like to extend sincere gratitude to Dick's special friend Harriet for all of her loving care.

Roberts Funeral Home in Wellsville was entrusted with the arrangements.