Fredrick William Kerner was born March 8, 1921 southeast of Paxton, South Dakota to William and Lena (Besmer) Kerner and he died November 28, 2012 at the Avera Gregory Hospital in Gregory, South Dakota at the age of 91 years.

As a young boy, Fred moved to Jamison, Nebraska with his family. He attended Spotted Tail School through the eighth grade. In 1942 he was drafted into the United States Army, where he served in Japan. Following his discharge, he moved to Lucas, South Dakota where he farmed and ranched for several years. Upon his retirement, he moved to Gregory, South Dakota where he remained until the time of his death.

Fred was a member of the Burke VFW and the Gregory American Legion. He was also a member of the Grace Lutheran Church in Burke.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, William and Lena; and by one sister, Violet Herman.

Fred is survived by his brother, Jack of Lucas, SD; and by his sisters: Esther Rogers of Platte, SD and Lila Mullen of Gregory, SD.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 1, 2012 at 1:30 PM at Grace Lutheran Church in Burke. Burial will be in the IOOF Cemetery, Gregory. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the church.