Philip Scott Kerber, 83

Philip Scott Kerber of Osceola, WI. died January 20, 2015. He was 83 years old.

He was born in Emmetsburg, Iowa to Fred W. and Arlene Scott Kerber, where he completed high school before attending Purdue University. Graduating with a mechanical engineering degree he was promptly drafted by the army. Phil served his tour at the Capital as assistant to the United States Secretary of Defense. On return to Emmetsburg, he became President of the family business, Kerber Milling Company, and was active in the Iowa Grain and Feed Association. On retiring he farmed in Baudette, MN where he established Services Incorporated. The family moved the business to Osceola in 1993. Phil married Frances Ragsdale December 22, 1983 in San Antonio, Texas.

Phil began keeping bees when he was 12 as a patriotic war effort.  A member of the Purdue Glee Club, he encouraged everyone to join in the singing. A leader in the Global United Methodist Church he served on many boards including the St Paul School of Theology in Kansas and delegate to the General Conference. The family home was open to many students from across the world. Phil enjoyed adventures from Cheops to the Congo loving India the best.  He loved flying his Piper Aero.  As a Rotarian, Phil was particularly passionate about the eradication of polio worldwide. He served as song leader for the St Croix Falls Rotary Club. He was also a member of Beta Theta Pi, Purdue Alumnae, the American Legion and the Masonic Lodge.

Phil is survived by his wife of 31 years, Frances; brother John Kerber (Iveta); sons Scott (Jackie), Tom (Nora), Ed Leners (Debra), Ephraim Senbetta, John Opitz; daughters Jean Kerber Mittel; Lynn Opitz Hsiao; grandchildren, great grandchild, nieces and nephews.

Celebration of Life was held Tuesday January 27, 2015 at the Osceola United Methodist Church. A Memorial service will be held in the summer in Emmetsburg, Iowa. www.grandstrandfh.com