George Henry Kerner, age 65
Of rural Newton, IL passed away at 1:57 AM – Monday, September 9, 2013 at St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital in Effingham, IL.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM – Friday, September 13, 2013 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Newton, IL with Fr. Al Kemme celebrating mass. Burial will be in New St. Peter Cemetery in rural Newton, IL with full military rites. Visitation will be held 4:00-7:00 PM – Thursday, September 12, 2013 at the church. In loving memory of George, memorials may be made to the St. Thomas School or St. Thomas Church building Fund. Arrangements are under the care of the Blake-Buchanan Funeral Home in Newton, IL.
The obituary can be viewed and condolences left at www.blakefh.com.

George was born on February 26, 1948 in Newton, IL the son of Andrew and Esther (Dhom) Kerner. He married Ruth Thoele on July 1, 1972.
George served his country in the United States Army during Vietnam from 1968 to 1970.
George retired from GTE and Verizon after 35 years of service.
George was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church and the NRA. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and spending time with his family especially his grandchildren.
George is survived by:
Wife of 41 years – Ruth Kerner of Newton, IL
3 Children – Ted Kerner of Effingham, IL
Terri (Russell) Brewer of Newton, IL
Melissa (Billy) Starkey of Effingham, IL
7 Grandchildren – James Brewer, Logan Brewer, Carson Brewer, Jenna Brewer,
Kaelyn Starkey, Maddie Starkey and Chase Starkey
Father-in-Law – Paul Thoele of Teutopolis, IL
1 Brother – Andy (Connie) Kerner of Teutopolis, IL
3 Sisters – Betty (John) Grunloh of Teutopolis, IL
Sharon Rose (Mike) Brand of Stayton, OR
Pat (Jeff) Bergbower of Newton, IL

George was preceded in death by his parents, son Jeff Kerner and his mother-in-law Millie Thoele.