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- Cody Gray Kersten, 29, was killed in a motorcycle accident on July 28, 2017. He is the youngest son of Ronald and Jamie Kersten, Little Chute, WI. He is survived by two brothers: Ron Jr. FL, daughters Neve and Olivia, granddaughter Annistyn Mae; and Cory (Korri) Freedom, sons Noah, Liam and Cody's God-daughter Zoe; his loving grandma Lilah Eick; and devoted daughter Raylin.
Cody was a hard-working, mechanically inclined man who enjoyed working at their shop with his Dad. He was proficient in electrical and hydraulic installation, welding and fabrication. His job at Monroe Truck gave him great satisfaction modifying and completing custom trucks. From his childhood, Cody loved doing anything with wheels, tracks or waves. He always had a notebook filled with drawings and ideas, building his first boat at 11yrs of age. He willingly set aside his projects and builds to help someone else with theirs. He was active with his car, boat, trucks, bikes, snowmobiles, four wheelers, rock climbers, mud trucks, demo derbies, helping buddies at the races, and loved tractor pulls, taking 3rd place (after two tractors) with his beloved dually just two nights before his death.
He generously made time for other people's children and loved animals. He was kind-hearted, loving, compassionate and always ready to help family and friends. Anyone who knew Cody knew they had someone to count on. He did the right thing because it was the right thing to do and never wanted recognition for his help. Cody's infectious, engaging, quick, gentle smile warmed every encounter. His warm, comforting, genuine hugs were extraordinary. Cody was a true free spirit who lived life to the fullest and made friends of all ages everywhere he went.
Cody's creed was Stand Tall Walk Tall which meant stand your ground for what you believed in, learn, teach, don't give up and help whenever you can.
He worked hard for everything he acquired and did not want to accept help from others. While planning the medical benefit for the bills from his accident in June 2016, caused by an unlicensed, uninsured woman, Cody only agreed if we pay it forward and spread helmet awareness knowing his helmet saved his life last year. His benefit was held as scheduled (only 1 week after his death) and we wish he could have seen all the children's heads we covered by giving away helmets that day. Our hope is to get kids in the habit of wearing a helmet now so they will do so always. His legacy will live on as we will continue to promote #teamcody Helmet: Every. Single. Time.
During his difficult recovery from the 2016 motorcycle accident, he came to know the Lord on a deeper level and saw that God had a plan for him. God certainly used him to show us the value of persistence in dealing with the tough and unexpected parts of life. God also used our Cody to demonstrate how to love others well. He made a huge impact on many people in just 29yrs. Cody will live on not only in our hearts and memories but also in his decision to participate in the organ donation program which will help numerous others.
His life was enriched by so many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends so numerous we could fill the page if listing them all. Please know we are grateful to each of you for your role in shaping his life.
Cody was preceded in death by his grandparents, Earl and Annie Kersten and James Eick; and uncle, Tom Kersten.
Miss you Daddy. Love you forever and always.
He was an amazing young man. Our days have darkened now without our Sonshine. Until we meet again, Love you more. Let's all try to live by his motto: "Stand Tall Walk Tall"
Service to honor him will be August 24th 2017 at First United Methodist Church, 325 E. Franklin Street, Appleton WI 54911. Enter at the main doors on Drew Street. Visitation will begin at 5pm with the service at 7pm. Pastor Liz Whitford presiding. Desserts in the Fellowship Hall to follow. No flowers or plants please. To sign the guest book, please visit oconnellfh.com.
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1988 - 2017 (~ 29 years)