"We are so shocked and saddened by losing our friend Mike. We first met Mike and his wife Jane in our apartment complex back in 1973. We became very good friends and often had very good times around the pool. Mike was responsible for getting me my very first job after graduating from CSUN. As in life we all go our separate ways and move different states, have kids so on and so on. Mike was a good man, always smiling and laughing and never taking life too seriously. We will see you again Mike."
In loving memory of
Michael Scott Kerr
October 5, 1944 - July 2, 2019
Michael Scott, son of Donald and Helyn (Hoss) Kerr, was born October 5, 1944, in Jefferson, Iowa. After World War II, Mike and his family moved to Oak Park, Illinois, where his father flew for American Airlines. Shortly thereafter, the family returned to Donald’s family farm near Manilla, Iowa. Mike attended country school at Jefferson #2 and #3 and graduated from Manilla High School in 1962. Shortly after graduating from University of Northern Iowa in 1966, Mike received his draft notice. He chose to enlist in the U.S. Army and attended Officer Candidate School in Fort Sill, Oklahoma attaining the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. He then served a year in El Paso, Texas as Platoon Leader of an Automatic Weapons Platoon. From 1968 to 1969, his platoon served on the DMZ separating North and South Vietnam. He received the Bronze Star and was honorably discharge in 1969 with the rank of Captain.
Mike was then offered a position with Lockheed Aircraft Corporation where he was a subcontract manager. His work moved him around from Burbank, California to Derby, England. In 1973, Mike and his wife returned to California, first to Northridge and Valencia and then to San Jose. He genuinely enjoyed working with Lockheed Martin on a variety of jet engine subcontracts, and commercial satellite and laser programs and other critical government communication programs. After 42 years of excellent and fascinating years with Lockheed, Mike retired on September 30, 2012, and returned to the family farm near Manilla, Iowa.
Mike actively participated in his children’s school activities, cub scouts, and his family to visit many states and their England grandparents. In spite of demanding aerospace work, Mike always put his family first. He truly loved and enjoyed his entire family. Travel and seeing all the good and beauty possible was a key part of Mike’s life – he had the good fortune to visit all 50 states, Southeast Asia, Japan, Australia and most of Western Europe.
On Tuesday, July 2, 2019, Mike passed away at Salem Lutheran Home in Elk Horn, Iowa. He was 74 years of age.
Mike is survived by Jane; two sons: Nick (Peggy) Kerr of Newport Beach, California and Tim Kerr of Manilla; three grandchildren: Brookelynn, Londyn and William Kerr; a brother Alex Kerr of Skykomish, Washington; a sister Sandy Sorenson of Fayetteville, North Carolina; and Sandy’s children: Kirsten, Butch and Jon Sorenson.
Masonic Service
Tuesday, July 9, 2019 ~ 7:00 PM
Ohde Funeral Home
Manilla, Iowa
Funeral Service
Wednesday, July 10, 2019 ~ 10:30 AM
United Methodist Church
Manning, Iowa
Pastor Joel Sutton, Officiating
Congregational Hymns
“Morning Has Broken”
“Battle Hymn of The Republic”
Casket Bearers
Jim Rasmussen Nick Kerr Tim Kerr
Jeremey Stangl Alex Kerr Butch Sorensen
Interment
Nishnabotna Cemetery
Manilla, Iowa
Military Honors
American Legion Post 132
U.S. Army Honor Guard
Tributes
"Mike will be sorely missed. His always positive outlook was a gift he shared with all. It was a privilege and honor to know and work with Mike. Our paths connected 35 years ago working together at Lockheed Missiles & Space in Sunnyvale, CA. He was always a true professional. However, his greatest gift was his love for his family. Mike and I had several common traits -including being fellow former US army officers and having a son graduate from Bellarmine College Prep in San Jose. Back in the day Mike would run everyday. I can remember when in the middle of a typical excessively hot day in the desert Mike would be getting in his run after a long business day. He made us feel tired just watching him do his routine. Our warmest wishes and prayers are with you, Jane, your sons and their families. Mike has left a lasting legacy for the Kerr family. May he Rest In Peace. John& Linda Callan"
"Like many of you, I was deeply saddened to learn that my good friend and work colleague, Mike Kerr had just passed away. Mike was bigger than life - always smiling with a positive attitude on life, hardworking, kindhearted, willing to go out of his way to help others and having many funny stories or jokes ready tell anyone willing to listen! Knowing Mike was both a privilege and honor! We continued to stay in touch years after we retired from LM. Whenever Mike was in the Bay Area, a small group of LM colleagues would always get together for lunch. Our group lunches will not be the same without Mike but hell always be remembered and cherished. I will keep the Kerr Family in my thoughts and prayers. Rest In Peace, Mike..."
"Mike was a great man with a jovial laugh. His smile was infectious."
"Mike is part of my many fond high school memories. He was a sweet friend way back then, enjoying the teenage years full of fun times with friends. Although I did not keep up with him after graduation, he obviously lived a productive and blessed life, so richly deserved. My prayers and condolences go out to his family. Know that many of us who grew up with him will remember him with a smile."
"We have enjoyed our many visits with Mike. He was always interested in and cared about his friends. We will miss him stopping by. Our condolences to his family. He thought so much of each of you. We will keep you in our prayers....."
"Our deepest sympathies to the Kerr family. Ive known Mike for more than 30 years, having been Lockheed Martin colleagues & friends. I will never forget Mikes zest for life, quick wit & sense of humor & adventurous spirit. He loved his family dearly & had such a positive outlook on life. He will be dearly missed. Our thoughts & prayers are with you at this sad time. Judy & Randy Stibbe"
"I worked with Mike on a proposal onetime. We had one particularly troublesome subcontract that was in horrible shape. Mike and I double-teamed it. He was incredible capable & supportive, and just had the most wonderful attitude. Between the two of us, we managed to wrestle the thing to the ground. The experience lasted several months. I developed an enormous respect for Mike during that time. He was one of the most impressive people I ever worked with in my 39-year career in aerospace, and one of the nicest. The world will be a poorer place without him. Rest in peace, Mike. You earned it."
"Deepest condolences to the Kerr Family. "
"Our sincere and deepest sympathies to the Kerr family. Love, Tim & Pam McElligott"
"I'm so sad to hear this news! My deepest sympathy to the family. A 1962 classmate, Karen Jorgensen Swanson"
"Uncle Mike had such a positive outlook & reminded me to look for rainbows after the storm. I will miss him very much."
"Sharon and I are grieving Mike's passing and express our condolences to the family. Mike and I were Lockheed friends going back almost 50 years. We always maintained a close friendship and talked frequently. Its amazing he was able to visit us in Virginia in early May. He had a strong will to live life to the full. I loved his sense of humor and his kindness and upbeat attitude. He will be greatly missed. May God comfort the family with His peace."
"Michael.... truly one of the great guys. God bless, and we will always remember you. Thanks for all the memories and lots of smiles."
"Good memories of Mike from country school, town school and as a neighbor at the farm. I only wish I would have kept closer contact with Mike. Grace and peace to family and friends."
"So very sorry to hear this. Mike was always very pleasant to visit with."
"So very sorry to hear this. Mike was always very pleasant to visit with. Thoughts and prayers to the entire family."