Joel Kerkhoff

Joel Bernard, son of Meryl F. and Imelda C. (Grossman) Kerkhoff, was born November 9, 1959 at St. Anthony Hospital in Carroll, Iowa. At the age of ten months Joel was stricken with Meningitis and barely survived. He suffered many health issues as a result of that illness. He was cared for at home until age 5 when due to hyperactivity and other health challenges he entered Glenwood Resource Center in Glenwood, Iowa. While at Glenwood he worked at packaging for Oriental Trading Company. He enjoyed pointing out trees and trains and taking cat naps. He particularly enjoyed soda pop, M&M's and food brought in from restaurants. The staff at the Resource Center thoroughly enjoyed working with him and having him around. Over the years Joel suffered a number of health problems and after a severe episode entered Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs on Sunday, June 30, 2013. He died there the same day at the age of 53 years, 7 months and 21 days. Preceding him in death are his father and best friend Meryl Kerkhoff and both sets of grandparents: Alphons and Frances Kerkhoff and Bernard and Mary Grossman. He is survived by his mother Imelda Kerkhoff of Manning; siblings Marty (Debra) Kerkhoff of Manning, Keith Kerkhoff of Manilla, Mary (John) Bertelsen of Polk City, Ron (Kim) Kerkhoff of Algona, Dan (Cheryl) Kerkhoff of Manning and Scott (Teri) Kerkhoff of Solon; many nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends. Funeral Service MONDAY, JULY 8, 2013 10:30 AM SACRED HEART CHURCH MANNING, IOWA Celebrant FATHER ROBERT GRALAPP Lector RAY THIELEN Eucharistic Ministers RAY AND VICKI THIELEN Mass Servers PAYTON AND SHYANNE SPORRER Music "HOSEA" "HOW GREAT THOU ART" "ON EAGLE'S WINGS" "AMAZING GRACE" SACRED HEART CHOIR PAT HEITHOFF, ACCOMPANIST Urn Bearers JOEL'S FAMILY Interment SACRED HEART CEMETERY MANNING, IOWA