Kersten, Judith Yates Loving Wife, Mother and Grandmother Bloomington, Minnesota - Judith Yates Kersten, 81, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2020. She was born in Fullerton, CA, and lived in Hollywood, CA, Birmingham, AL, Nassau, NY, and Whittier, CA, where she graduated from Cal High. Her college years were spent at Fullerton College and Westmont College in Santa Barbara. After graduation she resided in Switzerland where she tutored Billy Graham's grandchildren and traveled throughout Europe with the family. Upon returning to California, Judy earned a master's degree in education from Whittier College. She then taught biology at Corona High School where she met Thomas L. Kersten, a fellow teacher. They were married in Corona in 1970. (They celebrated their 50th anniversary in August.) After getting married they moved to Minnesota where they continued their teaching careers. Judy worked in Bloomington Public Schools for 40+ years as a biology teacher, special education teacher, and technology specialist. Judy was very involved with Normandale Hylands United Methodist Church. She volunteered, was the church librarian, and participated in Bible study groups. She loved to travel and particularly enjoyed Australia and the Galapagos Islands. She made three mission trips to Sierra Leone where she put her biology background to work in the clinic, helping clean wounds and administering vaccinations. In retirement Judy enjoyed spending time with other retired BPS teachers. She was pleased that both of her children became teachers. She also found great joy in becoming a grandmother. Judy was preceded in death by her parents George E. and Harriet N. Yates. She is survived by her husband, Thomas L. Kersten, their daughter, Jennifer Kersten Olson, and her husband, Jonathan Olson, and granddaughter, Zoey Helen Kersten Olson, their son, Jeremy Kersten, and her sister, Billie Jean (Yates) Fisk, of Carlsbad, CA. A memorial gathering will be held at a future date. Burial will be at South Haven Zion United Methodist Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made in her name to VEAP (Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People), where Judy was a frequent volunteer or Normandale Hylands United Methodist Church.

Published on November 22, 2020