Deacon Joseph Kerns of Holy Resurrection Church here fell asleep in the Lord on Friday, November 24, 2006, after a tree fell on his truck as he was traveling on an interstate highway.
In the truck with Deacon Joseph at the time of the accident were his son, Abraham, and two other men who worked for him, Alex Minneman and Jonathan Burell. Alex also was killed.
Deacon Joseph served Holy Resurrection Church for 10 years. According to the parish’s rector, the Very Rev. John Pierce, “he fulfilled the meaning of the word deacon—servant—not only in the altar, but through his diaconal ministry worked among us and in the diocese.”
Deacon Joseph is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; five children, Jeremy, Abraham, Clara, Katherine, and Susana Roberts and her husband Wesley Roberts; and one grandson, Anthony.
With the blessing of His Grace, Bishop Benjamin, temporary administrator of the Diocese of the West, the parish has established a fund to assist his family in their time of need. Contributions to the Deacon Joseph Kerns Fund may be sent to Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church, PO Box 1332, Puyallup, WA 98371.
Bishop Benjamin will preside at funeral service on Wednesday, November 29, at Holy Resurrection Church, 8710 28th Ave. E, Tacoma WA 98445, at 6:30 p.m. Father John and area clergy will concelebrate the Divine Liturgy on Thursday, November 30, at 10:00 a.m. A reception in the church hall will follow. Place of interment has yet to be determined.
May Deacon Joseph’s memory be eternal!