Anthony Joseph “Tony” Kerner, age 88, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 6, 2026, in Hayward, Wisconsin. Born December 29, 1937, in Springfield, Illinois, but raised in Phillips, Wisconsin, where he developed his love of trapping and gardening.

Tony married the love of his life, Sally (Hora), on August 8, 1959. They welcomed their first son, Richard Kerner, on March 26, 1961, and their second son, Mark Kerner, on November 5, 1964. In 1966, the family moved to Hayward, where Tony worked as a diesel mechanic on Army trucks. He dedicated 42 remarkable years of his life to his active-duty career in service to this great community.

A proud patriot and committed public servant, he served for many years as a volunteer firefighter and secretary for the Town of Hayward Fire Department. He was also a member of the American Legion, where he regularly volunteered, lending his time and spirit to events such as the World Lumberjack Championship and the American Birkebeiner.

Tony was an avid outdoorsman, a lifetime member of both the Wisconsin Trappers Association and National Trappers Association, a Scout Master with the Boy Scouts of America, and a dedicated volunteer instructor for both the Hunter Safety and Trappers Education programs.

Tony is survived by his beloved wife, Sally Kerner; his sons, Richard Kerner and Mark (Linda) Kerner; his cherished grandchildren: Brad (Cassandra) Johanson, Rebbecca (Sean) Smallwood, Tanya (Phillip) Jensen, Amber (Tom) Gillis, and Marcus (Heather) Kerner; and many great-grandchildr4en, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Alice Kerner (Jirak); his brothers, Robert, Frank, Eugene, and Larry Kerner; and his sisters, Sharon and Leilani Kerner.

A memorial service will be held on July 18, 2026, at Bratley-Nelson Funeral Home in Hayward, WI, with visitation from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Military honors and an interment service will take place at 12:30 pm at the Greenwood Cemetery Veterans Plot.

Tony’s legacy of service, kindness, and love for the outdoors will be fondly remembered by his family, friends, and the many lives he touched.

Last Update: Jul 13, 2026 9:34 am CDT