Carl L. Koerner

Carl L. Koerner, Jr. was born July 20, 1938, at St. Mary's Hospital in Kankakee, Illinois to Carl and Florence (Sally) Koerner. He peacefully went to be with the Lord on January 10, 2026, at Miller Healthcare, Kankakee, Illinois. He is survived by his wife, Frances, who he married on August 6, 1960. They continued a lifetime residency in the greater Bourbonnais and Kankakee area. Also surviving are two sons Chris and Curt, two daughters-in-law (Elizabeth and Kim), five grandchildren and spouses (Chad and Amanda, Kristen and Kyle, Cory, Joshua and Sarah, Danielle and Trey); eight great-grandchildren (Madison, Ethan, Leonidas, Daniel, Mason, Blakely, Juliette and Henry); step sister-in-law, Mary Grise; sister-in-law, Grace Arnold (John). Carl is preceded in death by his mother, Florence Grise; father, Carl Sr.; stepfather, Roland (Slim) Grise; half brother, Robert Koerner; step brother, David Grise; uncle C.B. Chambers; granddaughter-in-law, Ashley Nicole; and many other loved ones. Carl attended Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School where he played on the basketball team. After graduation he proudly served in the United States Navy from June 1956 to June 2, 1959. Following his military service, Carl's professional career was in the grocery business, culminating in his role as Regional Supervisor of multiple Illinois and Indiana locations. He was known for his work ethic and doing whatever needed to be done. He carried that same ethic by being a good manager who utilized his time very well. He later worked at Olivet Nazarene University until his retirement where he received many accolades from his supervisor. Carl enjoyed his family and spending time supporting his sons' athletic endeavors, attending every game possible and stepping in to coach a few times as needed. Carl and his wife chose to grow their spiritual walk at College Church in Bourbonnais. Being longtime members gave them opportunity to attend, learn and participate in Bible studies, classes and outreach opportunities, and to expand faith and worship. This family of believers knew of his dry humor, his greeting to any birthday friend of "and many more", and his always being present at a member funeral dinner by working in the kitchen, keeping order and being an ever-present help. He will be missed. The funeral arrangements are by Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home in Bourbonnais. Visitation will be on Wednesday, January 14, from 4:00 -- 7:00 at Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home in Bourbonnais. There will also be visitation at College Church University Avenue in Bourbonnais at 10:00 followed by the 11:00 funeral service. In Carl’s honor, memorials may be made to College Church.

Carl L. Koerner

July 20, 1938 - January 10, 2026