Caroline A. Kersten

Caroline Kersten, age 90, passed away Wednesday evening, November 9, 2011 at a local care center. She was born in Wausau on June 29, 1921, the tenth of fourteen children born to the late Joseph and Amelia (Utech) Hafeman. She attended McKinley Elementary School in Appleton and in August of 1943 married Sylvester “Sonny” Kersten. Sonny preceded her in death in 1993. Kelly began working at the switchboard at the Post Crescent in 1944, and retired from that position in 1986. She and Sonny lived in the same home for nearly fifty years, and though they never had children, they enjoyed the company of their dogs over the years.

Kelly is survived by many nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers: Herman (Clarice) Hafeman, Oscar Hafeman, Gustav (Catherine) Hafeman, Andrew (Lucille) Hafeman, and Robert (Mildred) Hafeman; and her sisters: Erna (Harry) Herkowski, Rose (Robert) Angel, Leona (Clarence E.) Whiteaker, Laura (Connie) Van Handel, Hilda (Edmund) Schelfout, Mary Hafeman, Emiline “Mike” (Albert) Raymaker, and Marjorie (Albrecht) Hafeman.

Funeral services for Kelly will be held at 5:00 PM on Monday, November 14, 2011 at the WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME, 537 N. Superior Street in Appleton, with Rev. Kurt Kovanen officiating. Interment will be in Highland Memorial Park. Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday afternoon from 3:00 PM until the time of the service.

Wichmann Funeral Home
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton, WI 54911
920-739-1231