Michael Scott Kerr

   Michael Scott, son of Donald and Helyn (Hoss) Kerr, was born October 5, 1944, in Jefferson, Iowa. After World War II, Mike and his family moved to Oak Park, Illinois, where his father flew for American Airlines. Shortly thereafter, the family returned to Donald’s family farm near Manilla, Iowa. Mike attended country school at Jefferson #2 and #3 and graduated from Manilla High School in 1962. Shortly after graduating from University of Northern Iowa in 1966, Mike received his draft notice. He chose to enlist in the U.S. Army and attended Officer Candidate School in Fort Sill, Oklahoma attaining the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. He then served a year in El Paso, Texas as Platoon Leader of an Automatic Weapons Platoon. From 1968 to 1969, his platoon served on the DMZ separating North and South Vietnam. He received the Bronze Star and was honorably discharge in 1969 with the rank of Captain.

   Mike was then offered a position with Lockheed Aircraft Corporation where he was a subcontract manager. His work moved him around from Burbank, California to Derby, England. In 1973, Mike and his wife returned to California, first to Northridge and Valencia and then to San Jose. He genuinely enjoyed working with Lockheed Martin on a variety of jet engine subcontracts, and commercial satellite and laser programs and other critical government communication programs. After 42 years of excellent and fascinating years with Lockheed, Mike retired on September 30, 2012, and returned to the family farm near Manilla, Iowa.

   Mike actively participated in his children’s school activities, cub scouts, and his family to visit many states and their England grandparents. In spite of demanding aerospace work, Mike always put his family first. He truly loved and enjoyed his entire family. Travel and seeing all the good and beauty possible was a key part of Mike’s life – he had the good fortune to visit all 50 states, Southeast Asia, Japan, Australia and most of Western Europe.

   On Tuesday, July 2, 2019, Mike passed away at Salem Lutheran Home in Elk Horn, Iowa. He was 74 years of age.

   Mike is survived by Jane; two sons: Nick (Peggy) Kerr of Newport Beach, California and Tim Kerr of Manilla; three grandchildren: Brookelynn, Londyn and William Kerr; a brother Alex Kerr of Skykomish, Washington; a sister Sandy Sorenson of Fayetteville, North Carolina; and Sandy’s children: Kirsten, Butch and Jon Sorenson.

Masonic Service

Tuesday, July 9, 2019  ~  7:00 PM

Ohde Funeral Home

Manilla, Iowa

Funeral Service

Wednesday, July 10, 2019  ~  10:30 AM

United Methodist Church

Manning, Iowa

Pastor Joel Sutton, Officiating

Congregational Hymns

“Morning Has Broken”

“Battle Hymn of The Republic”

Casket Bearers

Jim Rasmussen     Nick Kerr     Tim Kerr

Jeremey Stangl     Alex Kerr     Butch Sorensen

Interment

Nishnabotna Cemetery

Manilla, Iowa

Military Honors

American Legion Post 132

U.S. Army Honor Guard