Joshua James Kerkman, 21, died Sunday, July 20, 2003, following a traffic accident.

He was born August 3, 1981, in Burlington to Gary and Marta (nee: Kiliokaitis) Kerkman. He spent his early life in New Munster, attended St. Alphonsus Grade School, Westosha Central High School and Gateway Technical College in Kenosha.

Joshua was a Journeyman Carpenter with Kerkman Brothers Construction in New Munster. A member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in New Munster, he enjoyed hunting, snowmobiling and four-wheeling. He played the guitar, loved country music and was a sports enthusiast including the Packers, Bucks, Brewers & NASCAR. He also loved shooting pool and bowling and was a lifetime resident of New Munster.

Survivors include his parents, Gary and Marta Kerkman; sister, Breanne Kerkman; brothers, Douglas and Travis Kerkman; grandparents, Stanley and Dorothy Kerkman, all of New Munster; aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Martin and Martha Kiliokaitis.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, July 5, 2003, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, New Munster, with Rev. Tom Biersack officiating. Burial will follow at St. Alphonsus Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet with the family on Thursday, July 24, 2003, from 4 until 8 p.m. with a prayer vigil at 7:45 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials to St. Alphonsus Expansion Fund have been suggested.

Source - Racine Journal Times - Jul 22, 2003