"Linda So sorry about your loss. Wayne was a good man and a good friend as well. I have many great memories of Wayne not the least of which is playing softball with him on the Cardinals Roost team. Mike Connor"
In loving memory of
Wayne Kersh
January 14, 1943 - January 24, 2022
L. Wayne Kersh
Farmington-Lawrence Wayne Kersh, 79, passed away on Monday, January 24, 2022 at his business, Kersh Standard Service.
Born January 14, 1943 in Canton, the son of Kemper and Wyvonee (Henderson) Kersh. Wayne married Linda (Howard) Kersh March 21, 1964. She survives along with their four children and 10 grandchildren.
Survivors include Kelli (Doug) Fruendt of Galesburg, Eric (Jackie) Kersh of Farmington, Jon (Amy) Kersh of Canton, and Jason (Sherry) Kersh of Galesburg.
Ten grandchildren, Nena, Caleb and Clay Fruendt, Madison and Regan Kersh, Jackson Kersh, and Jacie, Emmie, Ava and Izzie Kersh. His sister, Virgene Hoops Seward preceded him in death along with his parents.
Wayne and Linda are the owners of Kersh Standard Service and Cafe. They bought the business in 1965 from his parents, Kemper and Wyvonee Kersh. Wayne will be remembered as a skilled mechanic, oil changes, tire repairs, gas fill-ups, snow removal and of course, his sarcastic wit with his customers. His sister, Virgene, operated Kersh Cafe and was always known for homemade cooking and pies.
Wayne will be especially warmly remembered for his coaching and mentorship of hundreds of young athletes, especially baseball players. He coached Little League, Junior and Senior Legion Teams over the years. Proudly, the city of Farmington honored him in 2011 with a monument, Wayne Kersh Field. In addition, he was a volunteer fireman for 25 years and was a member of the Farmington United Methodist Church.
But most of all, Wayne will be remembered as a loving and loyal husband, father and grandfather who helped nurture a wonderful family.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, January 30, 2022 from 2-4pm at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton with a funeral service to follow on Monday at 11am at the funeral home.
Cremation rites will be accorded following the service.
Memorials can be made to Farmington United Methodist Church, Farmington Fire Department, or to the Wayne Kersh Memorial Scholarship C/O Morton Community Bank..
To leave online condolences or to view his memorial tribute, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com
Tributes
"So sorry to hear about Mr Kersh he was a good man from what my two late brothers always told me would of came but I don't live in the area any more. Rest in peace Mr Wayne Kersh Brenda Short Skippo Short's daughter"
"Wow ! Could not believe the news of Wayne?s passing. He helped raise generations of ball players and future mechanics . Gonna miss his gritty style of wit ! Too all the Kersh family you should know that you were so blessed with a great father one who cared god bless you all Joe Clark"
"Deepest condolences to the entire Kersh family. Wayne was a pillar of the community and leaves an untouchable legacy. He will be sorely miss by so many who are proud to have known such a great man. Forever in our hearts and minds, Uncle Wayne. "
"Very sorry for your loss. I have know Wayne nearly my whole life. I was 4 or 5 when my Mom worked in the restaurant, and my Aunt lived on the corner, where I stayed alot when my Mom was working. At that time there was always a ball game going on either just in backyards are in Harrison Dennis's field accross the road, where Wayne and others had built a ball diamond. So sad but I will always treasure the memories. "
"Sending our sympathy to the Kersh Family Jon always enjoyed visiting Wayne at our class reunions. Loved his sense of humor He will be missed Barb (Neill) Meline and Jon"
"I am so sorry for your loss. Wayne was a terrific human being. I had the highest regard and respect for him. His knowledge about Legion Baseball was outstanding. He was always so helpful to me. He has raised a wonderful family. God bless you all. Steve Cheesman Galesburg, Illinois "
"Dear Linda and family. My heartfelt condolences for your loss. Wayne was a special person and will be missed by all who knew him. Thinking of all of you at this most difficult time."
"I only recently met and began to get to know Wayne when I started bring my vehicles over for oil changes. He knew me as "that guy from Fairview" but were enjoying starting to get to know each other as we sat back and visited in the middle of what I called him "memory room" or waiting area. Enjoyed talking baseball with him. So sorry for your loss and I regret not having more time to get to know each other. Bill Burkhead"
"Linda, Kelli, Eric, Jon, and Jason...the passing of Wayne, unexpected, leaves us with so many great memories that its difficult to single out any one of special significance. Larry has a great recall of the early morning coffees and the gas fillups with Wayne naturally leading the conversation...he, indeed, represented the town of Farmington. To, his young sons and Kelli, your dad was the true Farmer. In our short stay with your school friends, HE was one of the best. I know you're all so proud of him. The Hippens' truly respected and made well of his friendship. Although gone from the area, our family kept well the memories of the school, the town, and the Kersh family. We know that Wayne is in Better Hands. May your family enjoy the memories and blessings that husband and Dad created for you. Take care, each of you, and love the man who you remember. The Hippen family wish you well in days ahead. Smile and laugh as your Wayne would want. Our sincere well wishes. Larry, Diane, Matt, Hollie (Jeff), and Jennifer Hippen "
"So very sorry to hear about Wayne. I have many memories of competing against him In high school. Got to know him better much later in life. He was a super guy who contributed much to his community. He will be missed by many. "
"Our sincerest condolences to all of the Kersh family. Wayne was an awesome guy, an a wonderful asset to the Farmington community. I know he will be missed."
"I am so sorry to learn of Wayne's passing. I will always remember how much I enjoyed his straight-faced sarcastic wit! As a child I went with my grandmother (Esther Brentz) to the gas station. Wayne would good naturedly shake his head, grin and rub the bug splatter on the windshield that my grandmother let him know he missed! He was a good person and will be greatly missed. With deepest sympathy for the family, Gigi Wagner-Davis"
"So sorry for your loss Linda. I have many fun memories of Wayne from high school. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family."
"Linda and family. So very sorry for your loss. Wayne will be missed by many. Praying God will give you comfort. Carol Johnson"
"We were saddened to hear about Wayne's passing. Linda, we send our heartfelt condolences to you and the entire family. We are so very sorry for your loss and keeping you in our prayers. Doug & Julie Seeley"
"My deepest and sincerest condolences to the immediate and extended family who are grieving this loss. Wayne was a great man who gave to all who were in need. He exemplified what it meant to be a good citizen of his community and this world. I look forward to seeing you again one day in heaven."
"Our deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to you Linda and your family. Wayne was a great man and will be missed by all."
"Linda,I have many fond memories of Wayne's friendship and yours. Hours spent at he garage washing cars with Steve and eating at the restaurant and thankful he sat next to me in algebra. He was always there to help. My heart is broken for you and your beautiful family. Prayers for all."
"Linda and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Wayne was a great boss and friend that made a big impact on my life. Steve (Pete) Jones "
"Deepest condolences to the Kersh family . Wayne was one in million . He would give his shirt off his back , I was the paper guy for twenty years and made sure that he and the morning group got a free paper for years and he took care of my flat tires if I needed. Had to fight him to take money for tires fixes . I going to definitely miss talking shop and baseball with him . In my book he was the most outstanding gentleman in the town of Farmington."
"Greatest Sympathy to Wayne?s family... many wonderful memories and above all he was a wonderful caring person...GOD Bless"
"Linda, Cheri just called us this morning with the news. We send the warmest hugs to all the family and wish we could be there for you. We are so sorry for the loss of a great friend with many happy memories. "
"It is with greatest love and deepest regret that Lou and I send our heartfelt sympathy. "
"Linda and family..Cheri just called us this morning. We are in shock and send the warmest hugs to you all. We are so sorry for your loss and wish we could be there. Our prayers go out to you and family. Nancy"
"Wayne truly was a family man. I have so many wonderful memories of him when the kids were growing up and he and Linda kept all that chaos under control with love and patience, and I may add they even did it with style. So glad we got to visit with him and Linda last fall at the winery. He was a wonderful coach and mentor who will truly be missed. In short he was just a great guy. Hugs to all of you. May your memories and the support of others be a comfort to you at this difficult time. Sincerely, Lynette Welch"
"My heartfelt condolences and prayers to the family, May Gods loving kindness and comfort help you and your family through this very difficult time. Matthew 5:4"
"So sorry for your loss. Thinking of family during this difficult time. Jeff&Lori Ellsworth."
"My deepest sympathies to the entire Kersh family. He will truly be missed. Wayne was a true mentor in my life, sometimes he was tough on me but I knew he truly cared about me and my family . I will never forget the years we spent working together. "
"I?ll miss him, he certainly spoke his mind and pulled no punches. He was sarcastic and witty, and fun. I?ll miss his smirky smile and his unbeatable charm! My sincere condolences "
"Wally and I will deeply miss Wayne, along with many others. Thinking of you all. "
"So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and Prayers for the entire Kersh family in the difficult time. "
"My deepest sympathy to you and your family."
"My deepest sympathy to the family..prayers for strength and comfort during this time of loss. Diane ward "