Patricia Ann Kersten

Patricia A. Kersten of Ft. Myers, Florida, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2026, after receiving a few days of great and kind care in the Hope Hospice Home. Pat was born on September 11, 1934, in Escanaba, Michigan. She grew up in Bark River, Michigan. After graduating high school, she moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she worked as a long-distance telephone operator. It was in Milwaukee where she met the Marine, love of her life, Richard L. Kersten. Patricia and Richard were married on September 5, 1959.

Richard and Pat later moved to Wittenberg, Wisconsin, where Richard was born and raised. Richard and his family owned and operated the family sawmill business, Kersten Brothers Sawmill. In addition to the sawmill, Patricia and Richard purchased the Hillcrest Motel which Pat managed. They later resided in Shawano, Wisconsin, where they raised their children.

They were blessed with two beautiful children, Richard L. Kersten, II, and Tiffany S. Kersten. In 1985, Richard sold his share of the sawmill business to his brother. Richard and Patricia chose early retirement and moved to beautiful Ft. Myers Beach, Florida, to enjoy their retired life together in tropical paradise.

Pat will be remembered for her great love of her children and her family, her enjoyment of friends, her adoration of four-legged fur babies, and her sense of humor. She was always able to throw out quick comebacks and puns. Her motto was "Life is too short to be serious."

Patricia is survived by her children, Richard L. Kersten, II, of Wausau, WI, and Tiffany S. Kersten of Ft. Myers, FL, her grandson, Benjamin (Adrian) Dakins of Wausau, WI, her great grandchildren, Matthew Dakins, Cameron Dakins, and Wyatt Dakins, many nieces and nephews, sisters-in-law, Margaret Kersten, Wausau, WI, Juddie Payne, Wittenberg, WI, stepbrothers, Howard Crick (Doris), Wittenberg, WI, and Harold Krumrie, Lake Ashton, FL, and son-in-law, Kenneth Katcko of Ft. Myers, FL.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard L. Kersten, I, her sister, Beverley Bender (Kermit), Escanaba, MI, her brother, James Brisbane (Connie), Green Bay, WI, her parents, Oten and Ione Brisbane, her son-in-law, Michael Coenen, Ft. Myers, FL, daughter-in-law, Marge Kersten, Wausau, WI, brothers-in-law, Phillip "Butch" Kersten, Wittenberg, WI, and RJ (Michelle) Crick, Reno, NV, sisters-in-law, Nancy Scarpino, Oak Harbor, WA, and Maudelle "Cookie" Hanson (Lloyd), Wittenberg, WI, WI, mother-in-law and father-in-law, Roy and Gladys Kersten, Wittenberg, WI.

Neptune Society is handling funeral arrangements. A military service to honor Patricia (and Richard's) life will be held at the Sarasota National Cemetery in Sarasota, Florida in November. Exact date to be determined.

Those who wish to support the family may share a favorite memory or offer kindness in Pat's name at the Neptune Society's website at www.neptunesociety.com.

Pat's love of animals made her happiest when surrounded by her pets. Her newest adopted love was Pippy (Longstocking), a rescue from Haven on Earth Animal League (HEAL). She brought Pat so much joy and laughter. HEAL's focus is on pulling homeless, abandoned and at-risk animals from the streets and finding them permanent, loving homes. That being said, in lieu of flowers, please make donations to HEALRESCUE.com via Zelle at 239-410-9983, Venmo at Haven on Earth, or by mail to HEALrescue, P.O. Box, 61088, Ft. Myers, FL 33906.