1980-2022
In loving memory of Jeremy Scott Kesterson of Alma Michigan, aged 42, died of heart failure on the afternoon of October 1, 2022. Born prematurely at 30 weeks on April 7, 1980, Jeremy survived to become a man whose company and attention was valued by so many, as he was generous with his affections and joys. He was raised in Colorado with a love of fishing, hiking, climbing and a precocious sense of humor that made up for the weaknesses he often displayed as we all do. He served his country proudly as both a Marine and a soldier in the US Army, and had lived in North Carolina where he met his first wife, Brandi, mother of Aubrie; Kansas (Goodland, Manhattan), where he met Autumn’s mother; and finally, Michigan—a fisherman’s paradise and where he met Samantha.
Jeremy went fishing on the last morning he was alive and had found some corner of happiness in his life with his love, Samantha. He was a lifelong Denver Broncos fan and loved NASCAR and anything Star Wars.
He is survived by his two daughters, Aubrie Kesterson, 18, of Pensacola, Florida, and Autumn Gerou, 16, of Grand Rapids, Michigan; his fiancé, Samantha Dougherty, of Alma, Michigan; his two brothers, Christopher (wife Carly) and Joshua (wife Fran), and their families of two nephews and one niece, respectively; and his Aunt Donna and Uncle John Kesterson; and mother and father, Maryse and Jeff Osborn of Broomfield, CO. Of many more he has left an empty place in their hearts.
He died far too young, just entering the second half of life. The shorter the life, the greater the tragedy of its loss.
The old card said: “A son is a beacon of hope and pride”
Wait! (someone who called me father has died)
I try to find words to fill the new void
Over hopes and dreams that lay there destroyed.
The hurt is a mirror of my love for my boy
The exchange is equal, trading sorrow for joy.
And yet I feel I did not tell him enough
That I loved him and stilled worried and that kind of stuff.
Parents should die first, this way’s unfair!
Growing old with joy, our kids should be there!
Not cut down before us—in cruel surprise
The scales and our tears fall from our eyes.
The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.