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of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Ann Arbor and Sharon Township, age 92, died Saturday, November 27, 2021, at his home. He was born August 3, 1929, in Detroit, Michigan, son of Ferdinand Alvin Kersten and Phillipina Mary “Phyllis” (Koester) Kersten.

Don graduated from Wayne State University, Detroit, with a degree in Industrial Design and a Masters of Fine Arts. He worked for various exhibit firms, General Motors Styling, and the City of Detroit. From 1965 to 1995, he was Professor of Art at the U/M Penney Stamps School of Art. He taught visualization skills for Interior Design, Industrial Design, and Architectural students. His particular interest was signage. Two sabbaticals to the United States and Europe culminated in “Signs in the Marketplace” exhibits at the Ann Arbor City Hall and the School of Art Gallery. Don was an avid U/M sport fan and held season tickets to football and basketball.

Don lived his life of faith- a kind, loving, supportive husband, father, brother, uncle, teacher and friend. He was a member of St. Luke Lutheran Church, Ann Arbor for 55 years.

Don married Kathleen Trautz, September 21, 1963, and she survives. He is also survived by daughters, Paula Kersten of Ann Arbor, and Kelle Kersten (Bob Flately) of Pennsylvania; and sister, Reverend Phyllis Kersten of Chicago, Illinois.

Because of Covid, in December there will be a small family celebration of Don’s life. A memorial service at St. Luke Lutheran Church, Ann Arbor, will be held in the spring. Memorial contributions can be made to Friends in Deed, https://friendsindeedpas.org/donate/, Hope Clinic, https://thehopeclinic.org/donate-1, or MOST Ministries https://www.mostministries.org/donations1.


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Comments  

#1 Garry Ketsten 2021-12-23 22:56
Uncle Don was my favorite uncle. I loved his personality, character and spirit.
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