Daniel “Dan” Kerkaert, age 57, of Russell, Minnesota, died peacefully on Sunday, July 31, 2022 at his home. Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 4, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Hartquist Funeral Home in Tyler, Minnesota with a Prayer Service to be held at 6:30 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, August 5, 2022 at 11:00 AM at St. Dionysius Catholic Church in Tyler. Burial will take place on Sunday, August 7, 2022 at 12:30 PM at the Russell City Cemetery in Russell. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hartquist Funeral Home – Tyler Chapel.
Daniel Joseph Kerkaert was born on March 24, 1965 to Albert and Maxine (St. Aubin) Kerkaert in Marshall, Minnesota. He attended Russell-Tyler High School and graduated in 1983. On November 28, 1987, Dan married Michelle Wigen. After they were married they moved to Lynd, Minnesota, where they lived for a year until moving to their farm near Russell, Minnesota. They had 3 children: Danielle, Dana, and Joseph. Dan worked at Schwan’s for 16 years and then started farming. Every spring he calibrated planters around the tristate area; he did this for several years. In October, 2013, Dan was diagnosed with Interstitial Lung Disease which he battled courageously for years. Dan passed away on Sunday, July 31, 2022 at his home in Russell surrounded by family at the age of 57. Dan enjoyed hunting, 8 ball pool, Rolle Bolle and fishing. Dan learned how to play pool at the Kerkaert Store on a bumper pool table. He later became a master 8 ball pool player. He loved being on a team and playing in tournaments. His skills won him many trophies and honors. Dan also loved Rolle Bolle and won many trophies. Dan enjoyed teaching and watching his children the fine points of these games. His proudest times were when his children played pool and Rolle Bolle and won like he did. In November, 1990, he shot a 21 point buck near Russell, which was one of his greatest accomplishments that he loved to share with everyone. One of Dan’s greatest joys was spending time with his grandchildren. He loved spending time with them in the deer stand and getting ice cream from Dairy Queen. Over the years he loved to collect coins, stamps, and baseball cards. Dan was known for his humor and always having a joke to share.
Dan is survived by his wife, Michelle Kerkaert; children, Danielle (Garett) Beck of Russell, Minnesota, Dana (Curtus Schultz) Kerkaert of Russell, and Joseph Kerkaert of Russell; parents, Albert and Maxine Kerkaert of Russell; siblings, Cindy (Jeff Meyer) Elsing of Worthington, Minnesota, Jim (Deb) Kerkaert of Lynd, Minnesota; grandchildren, Kylie Kerkaert, Kaydence Beck, Khloe Beck, Kamryn Beck, and Dominic Kerkaert; and his comfort dog, Wanda and nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Dan is preceded in death by grandparents Leo and Cyrilla Kerkaert, John and Elizabeth St. Aubin, parents-in-law Orwill Jr and Lorraine Wigen, and sister-in-law Mary Jo Miller.
