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Russell W. Kershner of Coulee City, Washington, passed onto the loving hands and embrace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, November 2, 2016, in Grand Coulee Washington.

Mr. Kershner was born on December 13, 1941, in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, to William Kershner and Edith (Woodhouse) Kershner.

Mr. Kershner was a proud Vietnam Veteran as a member of The United States Army from 1960-1968. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam, where he was wounded in action during the second tour. He was honorably discharged with a combined eight medals/decorations.

When he returned to the states he went to work at Boeing in Seattle, Grand Coulee Dam and eventually became a pioneer in the installation of computer systems in lumber mills from Canada to Portland, Oregon.

As a Computer Analyst he started his own business earning contracts with many government agencies, including NASA, and private businesses such as IBM, until his retirement.

He was a member of the Coulee Dam ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he became an elder; the VFW, American Legion, Kiwanis Club, former Scout Master, and had met all of the requirements to acquire his Eagle Scout certificate.

He very much enjoyed fishing, traveling, gardening, genealogy, and UFO research, and watching football at every possible opportunity. In high school he was an active athlete participating in baseball, track and football.

Our daddy was an amazing, loving, and very special father, grandfather, friend and husband; first to our mother, Sharon, and then our second mother, Mary Anne. His passing will leave a profound void in the hearts of all of those who were fortunate enough to know him. His kindness and generosity in this world will truly be missed and his passing will leave a void that will be indescribably heartbreaking to all who love him.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Anne, whom he married on August 10, 2001. They were later sealed in the Spokane LDS Temple for time and all eternity in January 2011.

He is also survived by four children: Diana (Willard) Greenfield, Derrick (Leslie) Kershner, William Patrick Kershner, Candis (Michael) Schuman; four stepchildren: Randy (Tamara) Ward, Jeff (Sue) Ward, Wendy (Martin) Olbricht, Marcy (Mark) Manderscheid; 23 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his three loving brothers: Dennis (Waynna) Kershner (and his best friend), Scott (Vicky) Kershner, Denver Kershner; and loving sister, Rebecca (Keith) Helms, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his first wife of 41 years, Sharon Lee Kershner; his parents, William and Edith Kershner; his daughter, Deanna Dawn Carson; his stepson, David Ward; and his brother, Mervin Kershner.

Mr. Kershner's viewing was held from 10 to 11 a.m., on Monday, November 7, 2016, at the Coulee Dam LDS chapel, followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m., with Bishop Scott Graham, officiating.

Interment service was held on Tuesday, November 8, 2016 at 1:30 p.m., in Medical Lake at the Washington State Veteran Cemetery.

Memorials can be made to the Coulee City Ambulance and/or any Animal Rescue Organization. Please sign the online guest book at http://www.stratefuneralhome.com. Strate Funeral Home, Grand Coulee is caring for the Kershner family.