Leonard Kersten

Leonard Kersten was born on October 23, 1926, in White River, South Dakota and died peacefully on March 8, 2026, at the Southwest Louisiana War Veterans Home in Jennings, Louisiana. He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Veoda Ardoin Kersten, his parents Jake Kersten and Christina Hendricks Kersten, two brothers, Hermann Jan Kersten and Myron Jake Kersten, and one sister, Edith Kersten Johnson. He is survived by his son, Stephen Derek Kersten and wife Beth, and his daughter, Constance Anne Kersten and spouse Sheree.

Raised on a farm in Percival, Iowa, Leonard graduated from Percival High School in 1944. He enlisted in the Army Air Force during World War II that September and served until his honorable discharge in December 1946 as a B-25 aircraft welder and maintenance specialist, later working as a finance clerk typist. He met his future wife, Veoda, in Lake Charles, Louisiana while visiting his brother Myron, and they married on February 28, 1947. In 1951, the couple moved to Crowley, Louisiana, where Leonard co-owned Coastal Floor Covering, first with Burton Mader and later with Mike Leleaux. A dedicated member of the American Legion Post 15, he served as District Adjutant, Vice Commander, and District Commander, and was active in the Forty and Eight Society, earning a lifetime membership in 2023 for 75 years of service. He also served on the American Legion Hospital Board in Crowley. Leonard took pride in his work as a flooring salesman, installer, and interior designer, attending workshops, markets in Dallas, and completing an interior design course at LSU-Eunice. He retired in 1988 and moved to Basile, Louisiana, where he and Veoda built their dream home.

Leonard loved to travel, making yearly trips to Destin, Florida and exploring much of the country with his family in their camper. He enjoyed barbecuing every Sunday, camping, hunting, fishing, gardening, watching football—especially LSU games—and reading. Though he had earned a college scholarship, he chose to enlist during World War II. This decision deepened his lifelong support for education; he encouraged his own children to attend college and helped many other young people pursue their studies.

He will be remembered for his quiet strength, generosity, and devotion to family, country, and community.