Kenneth L. Kearns

Kenneth L. Kearns, 89 of La Crosse died on Tuesday, November 8, 2016 at the Hillview Healthcare Center. He was born December 5, 1926 in La Crosse to Russell and Lucille (Schnick) Kearns and graduated from La Crosse Central High School. Kenneth served in the United States Army during WWII from 1945 until his honorable discharge in 1947. On June 19, 1948, he married Beverly Ehrsam at Holy Trinity Catholic Church.
On February 2, 1950, Ken joined the La Crosse Fire Department and became 1st Assistant Chief on December 10, 1974. He retired in 1982 after 32 years of service. He was a life member of Roy Vingers American Legion Post 52 and Thomas Rooney VFW Post 1530.
In addition to his wife Beverly, he is survived by two children; Linda (Jeffrey) Dissmore-Crill of Ruskin, FL and Steven Kearns, Sr. of Madison, WI; five grandchildren, Dominic (Jennifer) Dissmore, Rebecca Kearns, Shawn Kearns, Steven (Penelope) Kearns, Jr. and Ashley Dissmore; two great-grandchildren, Micah Dissmore and Hana Kearns; a brother James (Jane) Kearns of Scottsdale, AZ. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM, Monday, November 21st at Mary, Mother of the Church Parish, 2006 Weston Street, La Crosse with Rev. Brian D. Konopa officiating. Entombment with military honors will follow in Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:30 AM until the time of services at the church. Memorial contributions are suggested to Mary, Mother of the Church Building Fund or the Alzheimer’s Foundation for research.