Honorable Kurt G. Kersten

Kurt Gustave ‘Gus’ Kersten

On August 15, 2023 Kurt Kersten of Grosse Ile, MI passed away at the age of 99.

Kurt was born in Highland Park, MI in 1923 to Gustave and Elsa (Schneider) Kersten. Kurt’s father, a skilled machinist, immigrated to Detroit to find employment in the new automobile industry. The family eventually settled in Flat Rock, MI where Kurt’s father worked at Ford Motor Company.

In 1943 Kurt answered the call to military service. Kurt volunteered for the Army Air Corps and assigned to the 446th bomb group in Bungay , England. He served as a navigator.

In 1947 Kurt married his high school sweetheart, Lenore Kott. Kurt and Lenore raised four children. Kurt earned a BA degree from Michigan State University and a law degree from the Detroit College of Law. Kurt practiced law in Flat Rock, MI for 33 years from 1953-1986. In 1986 Kurt was elected to serve as a district judge in 33 rd District Court, Woodhaven, MI. After retirement Kurt served as a mediator in Wayne Circuit and District Courts, and as a substitute judge in many area courts.

Kurt was actively involved in the downriver Michigan community. He was active in Kiwanis, the VFW, the American Legion, and the Flat Rock Elks. He was also a member of the American, Michigan and Downriver Bar Associations. An avid golfer, Kurt was a member of the Grosse Isle Golf and Country Club for over thirty years. Kurt was especially proud of his service with the Downriver Michigan Veterans Honor Guard.

Kurt is survived by his loving wife, Lenore. Kurt is also survived by his 4 children: Claudia Williamson (Mike), Barbara Campbell (Skip), James Kersten (Tracey), Beth Mans (Nick) and 7 grandchildren, 6 great grand children and many loving friends and

extended family.

Visitation 2-8 pm with a Eulogy and Military Honors at 7pm - Monday, August 21 at Martenson Funeral Home in Trenton. Funeral service at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Trenton on Tuesday, August 22 at 11:00 am. Memorial contributions to the

Downriver Veterans Honor Guard, 16200 Dix Toledo Rd. Southgate, MI or the Flat Rock American Legion

Post 337, 28614 Division St., Flat Rock, MI 48134.