Robert William "Bobby" Kerner, 66, of Black Hawk, South Dakota passed away Tuesday, December 29, 2009 at his residence.
Memorial services were held on Monday, January 4, 2010 at Kirk Funeral Home in Rapid City with Rev. Herb Cleveland officiating. Inurnment was in the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis with military rites by TREA Chapter 29 of Rapid City.
Bobby was born March 9, 1943 to Robert F. Kerner and Wilma L. Kerner in Effingham, IL. He graduated from Newton High School in 1961. Upon graduation, Bobby enlisted in the United States Air Force and served from September 1961 until his retirement in December 1983. In October 1963, Bobbie married Lucille Wilken. Bobby and Lucille had three children, Deborah, Brenda and Robert Kerner. Bob joined the United States Air Force in 1961 and was sent to Lackland AFB, for basic training. He later attended jet engine mechanic training and continued in this career field during his entire Air Force tenure. He served at various Air Force Bases within the United States and overseas. Bobby's last duty assignment was Ellsworth AFB where he retired in December 1983 at the rank of Master Sergeant.
Bobby's decorations include: Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 2ea Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 1 Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, NCO Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon, and Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon.
After Bobby's retirement, he was employed at Big A Auto Parts and worked part-time at Ellsworth AFB Bowling Alley from 1983 to 1994. In 1990, Bobby began working at the South Dakota Cement Plant and retired with 17 years in May 2007. He was a life member of the Retired Enlisted Association and was an active member of TREA.
Bobby's family was most important to him. Bobby was a dedicated family man and a patriotic individual who had served his country with honor, pride and devotion. Bobby enjoyed four wheeling in the Black Hills and feeding the deer and turkey on his land. He enjoyed spending time working in his yard with his wife Lucille.
Grateful for having shared Bobby's life include his father, Robert F. Kerner, step-sister, Clara Elaine Kitchen, wife, Lucille Kerner, daughter, Deborah Wells with husband, William and grandchildren, Randy Birdwell, Tarrise Wells, Tyler Birdwell, Elana Wells, and Hailie Wells; daughter, Brenda Kerner and significant other, Rick Scheehan, son, Robert A. Kerner with wife Lisa Kerner and grandchilren, Michaela Kerner and Chance Kerner.
Bobby was preceded in death by his beloved step-mother, Eloise (Addis) Kerner and step-brother, Gary J. Kerner and mother, Wilma (Smith) Bryom.
A memorial has been established. Friends may sign Bobby's online guestbook at www.kirkfunerahome.com.
Black Hawk, S.D. —
