Michael C. Kersman

Michael Charles Kersman was an accomplished man who valued family, education, and his community. He was a lifelong learner whose knowledge and skills benefited people as well as industry. Mike treasured his family. He had a special bond with his children and, of all his successes, they made him most proud.

Michael was born on June 6, 1950, the beginning of a decade in which servicemen returning to the U.S. after World War II were eager to pick up their lives with new jobs or educational opportunities. It was a time of optimism in which families desired the best for their children, including L. Herb and Elizabeth (Hall) Kersman of Muskegon, Michigan. He owned and operated Muskegon Plating, which was renamed the Kersman Company and eventually became Lorin Industries. Together, Herbert and Elizabeth provided a secure and loving home for their four children, Robert "Buzz", Jay, Michael, and Katie.

The children enjoyed a childhood filled with spaces to roam and things to explore. Mike and his brother Jay liked to build forts in the woods and borrowed their dad's tools to do it. That is, until dad put a padlock on the tool cabinet because the boys never returned them. Also, each of the boys had BB guns they used to target small game. However, it didn't take long for Michael to decide that he liked animals as pets rather than prey. When he and his brothers were out one day, Mike shot a bird. His sensitivity came out in tears as he started crying because he had hurt the bird. Rather, Mike preferred the joys of riding horse and caring for dogs and cats. In fact, he became quite the equestrian decked out in the proper pants, hat and riding crop. His enthusiasm for outdoor activities was also channeled into winter skiing. The family spent many memorable ski trips at Caberfe, and Mike became a very good skier. His love of animals and nature continued throughout his lifetime.

Michael attended North Muskegon elementary schools and a private school in Lelanau through high school graduation. While performing well academically, Mike was also active in high school football, track, and skiing. He furthered his education at Muskegon Community College before going on to Western Michigan University where he earned a BA in English and an MBA. After graduation, he went to work at the family business (now called Lorin Industries), where he was instrumental in introducing computer processing into the company. Mike was off to an enterprising life, full of hard work and service.

It was while Mike was still at MCC, that he met a young woman named Linda Rozycki. Their first meeting was at a dance at the Arena Annex, and the two began dating. In 1972, Mike and Linda were married and settled in North Muskegon where Linda worked as a teacher. In time they decided to begin a family, but the first pregnancy was hard on Linda. She was put on bed rest and gave birth prematurely to twins, Joseph and John. Sadly, the boys died shortly after birth. In 1979, Mike and Linda were overjoyed at the birth of a healthy boy they named Chad. When Linda became pregnant again, she was placed on complete bed rest, and Mike cared for his young son and did whatever needed doing around the house. Their dear daughter Emily was born in 1981. However in 1985, Mike and Linda separated in divorce. Yet Mike maintained a close relationship with his children all his life.

As a young father and provider, Mike was on-the-go. At home, he liked to do remodeling and woodworking. He built a grandfather clock, several beautiful tables, a cherry crib along with many projects around the house. In business, Mike was making gains in the computer industry. He founded Chadem, Inc., a franchise computerized executive search company. Soon he would return to university to expand his knowledge and experience. But then he started dating a woman, Linda Pivonka, who also worked at Lorin Industries. Mike had known Linda since college days, but their friendship grew over two years of dating and they were married on March 8, 1989. Mike and Linda's family also grew with her two children, Kristopher and Heather. Life was full and blessed.

When Mike decided to get his PhD to become a college professor, he and Linda moved to Syracuse, New York where Mike attended Syracuse University. Once there, he changed his major and graduated with a Judicial Doctorate, specializing in computer law which was a new field at the time. During his graduate studies, Mike suffered his first heart attack. He was slowed down a little, but Mike maintained a very active life filled with the joys of family. His children often came home on holidays and during the summers and spent the kind of time that makes for great memories. Chad even lived with Mike and Linda during his sophomore year of high school. He must have been inspired by his father's pursuits, because Chad eventually went on to attend Syracuse University.

After his law degree from Syracuse, Mike and Linda moved to Detroit where he worked as manager for the Constitutional Litigation Law offices. It was there that he became interested in social work. Mike's passion and his expertise were combined when he went on to work as a manger for the Children's Resource Network and to volunteer at the Westshore Dispute Resolution and CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) and spent much of his time mentoring underpriviledged and at-risk youth. He also was active in the Rotary. In 2005, Mike and Linda moved back to North Muskegon where he took a position as the program director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lakeshore, Inc. Mike had come full circle.

Michael's family was delighted to have him back in the area. He was very helpful in taking care of his father during the past year, and the family gathered together often. Mike began attending Grand Valley University to get his Masters in Social Work (MSW). The work that he did contributed to the well being of so many people. They, along with his beloved family, will sorely miss Michael. All who knew and loved him are grateful for the life he lived with great distinction.

Mr. Michael Charles Kersman, age 56, suffered a sudden heart attack and died on Friday February 9, 2007. He is survived by his wife Linda (Pivonka) Kersman, son Chad Kersman (Fiancee Christen Kyle) of Chicago, IL, daughter Emily Kersman of Los Angeles, CA; step daughter Heather (Joe) Daniels of West Olive; one step grandchild Megan Daniels; brothers Robert "Buzz" (Wendy) Kersman and Jay (Linda) Kersman both of North Muskegon; sister Katie (Richard) Wiley of Orinda, CA; and father L. Herb (Norma) Kersman of Muskegon, MI; along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother Elizabeth Kersman, step son Kristopher Bates; infant sons Joseph and John Kersman. A service to celebrate Michael's life will be held on Wednesday, February 14, 2007, 2:00 PM Community United Methodist Church with Rev. Bob Lynch officiating. Relatives and friends may meet his family on Tuesday, February 13, 6-8 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home. Contributions in his memory may be made to Big Brother Big Sisters of the Lakeshore, Inc.; American Heart Association; or CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate).