Joseph Herman Kerkvliet was born on June 10, 1925, in Marshall to John and Bertha (Dubbledee) Kerkvliet. He grew up on the family farm north of Marshall and graduated from Marshall High School. On May 26, 1953, he was united in marriage to Frances Kwiatkowski at St. Edward Catholic Church in Minneota. The couple farmed and raised their family north of Marshall. They lived in Cottonwood for a time while still farming and retired to Marshall. After retirement, Joe enjoyed playing pepper. He always loved farming and raising cattle and considered a perfect day to be spent at a live stock sale barn in search of a buy. He also enjoyed golfing. Joe was most passionate about his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Joe died on Sunday, February 22, 2015, at the Prairie Home Hospice House in Marshall. He is survived by his children Doug (and Becky) Kerkvliet of Custer, SD, Barb (and Tony) Rivera of Newton, KS, Deb Kerkvliet of Marshall, Dave (and Dee) Kerkvliet of Cottonwood, grandchildren Crystal Smith, Jaime Genovese, Joe Kerkvliet, Melissa Barnes, Jeremy Degenstein, Miranda Juhl, Mally Javens, 18 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and an infant daughter.
In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Prairie Home Hospice of Marshall.
