Louis Fredrick Kerkman, son of William and Luella (Kuester) Kerkman was born January 1, 1929 in Tilden, Nebraska. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Elgin and attended St. Boniface Catholic Schools, while growing up on a farm north of Elgin.

He was united in marriage to Margaret June Hoefer on October 30, 1950 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in North Platte, NE. The couple made their home on a farm northwest of Elgin, where Louie farmed and raised livestock his entire life.

Louie was a 4th Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus, a past Grand Knight of Council #2411, a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church, Elgin Chamber of Commerce, Antelope Memorial Hospital Expansion Committee, and was honored with the Antelope County “Good Neighbor Award” in 2002. Louie was very active in the church; leading the rosary before Mass on Sunday mornings, dedicating time as an usher and volunteering for various activities with the schools

He enjoyed playing baseball with the Elgin town-team as a young man and later enjoyed bowling, frequenting the local coffee shops, attending cattle auctions, playing cards and pool, and driving around the countryside. Louie looked forward to attending all his grandchildren’s sporting events and cheered the 2007 Pope John Class D-1 State Championship football team at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln. He was always willing to lend a hand to anyone needing help working or moving cattle.

Louie is survived by his wife June of Elgin; 7 children: Connie Schulz and husband Jim of Norfolk; Barb Hoffart and husband Rex of Norfolk; Mike Kerkman and wife Judy of Elgin; Janice Eischeid and husband Dave of Elgin; Marvin Kerkman and wife Robin of Grand Junction, CO; Jerry Kerkman of Norfolk; Steve Kerkman and wife Becky of Elgin; 13 grandchildren; 1 step-grandchild; 2 great-grandchildren; 1step-great-grandchild; 9 siblings: Joyce (Alex) Thramer of Ewing; Alice Kallhoff of Neligh; Phyllis Beckman of Albion; Jim (Betty) Kerkman of Petersburg; Leonard (Judy) Kerkman of Clearwater; Dean (Cheryl) Kerkman of Newman Grove; Millie (Larry) Wanser of O’Neill; Joan (Larry) Luettel of Albion; Cyril (Deb) Kerkman of Atkinson; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers-in-law: Dareld Kallhoff and Edward Beckman; sisters-in-law: Mary Kerkman and Judy Kerkman