Nyron Kerner of Columbia Heights died December 21, 2010 at Crest View Lutheran Home in Columbia Heights. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, December 28th at Strike Funeral Home – Isanti Chapel with Rev. Kevin Zellers officiating.Visitation will be one hour prior. Interment will be in St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Weber. Lunch will follow service.
Nyron William Kerner was born April 27, 1924 in St. Paul the only child born to William and Hedwig (Klem) Kerner. When he was 2 years old the family moved to a farm in Isanti where he was raised. He went to school through the fields to a little school near his church. Nyron was confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church in Weber. He worked the farm with his parents from a very young age milking cows, raising chickens and raising the crops. They used work horses and eventually used tractors and more modern equipment. Nyron took a Model A car full of potatoes to the farmers market in St. Paul weekly. Nyron served in the Army during the later part of World War II and was stationed in Okinawa Japan as a Military Police Officer with weapons. He was discharged honorably and recognized by his church. Nyron was introduced to Gerda Elfriede Elvina Zickermann by his aunt, Emma Klem, who worked with Gerda at Anchor Laundry in NE Minneapolis. Nyron and Gerda were married in November of 1958 in Minneapolis. They lived with both family and friends throughout the metro area before buying their first and only home in Columbia Heights in 1965. Nyron worked many jobs while still helping his parents on the family farm. When his father died suddenly from a heart attack he still helped his mother until they sold the farm. Nyron and Gerda were always there to take care of her needs. Mom (Hedvig) lived independently in a duplex with a roommate until nearly 100 years of age.
Nyron eventually worked for Johnson Screens in New Brighton for many years, retiring on January 1, 1991 with a perfect attendance record. Johnson Screens designs and manufactures many types of architectural screens that can be specialized to suit most commercial projects. Nyron made a beautiful change container for his loose change and a belt buckle that he wore every single day from scraps given to him from his employer.
Nyron and Gerda had wonderful relationships with their family and neighbors. One of his favorite pastimes was fishing in both summer and winter. He fished with a cane pole and in the winter, upon making a hole in the ice, Nyron never used a scoop to clear the hole, he always used his hands. Another favorite and important part of his life was his many dogs. He loved his dogs because they gave him and his wife so much companionship- they were their children.
Gerda became ill in 1987 and then bedridden in 1993. Nyron remained a devoted and caring husband. He nursed her in their home until she was hospitalized on March 19th and then passed away on March 23, 1998. He was a good and honorable keeper of his wife’s and parents’ grave sites. He always brought a wreath to them at Christmas.
All in all Nyron was a very special man. He was always a gentleman. He loved God and his country. He was a loyal son, husband and friend. He had a very simple yet very rewarding life because he was content and he enjoyed life. Nyron fought the good fight against diseases that eventually won the battle, but he accepted the challenge with courage and strength. He was a good and honorable man he will be truly missed but will never be forgotten.
Nyron Kerner passed away December 21, 2010 at Crest View Lutheran Home in Columbia Heights at the age of 86 years, 7 months and 24 days.
Nyron is survived by many in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends.