Thomas Downey High School Alumni Class of 1961

Regina Graham, Evelyn Amel Gardener, and David Wolff are enjoying the Thomas Downey High School luncheon last February.

Class of 1961

Jim Kuhtz is holding up Ron Cone at the last alumni lunch.

We have just learned that one of our former classmates has passed. Joyce Jaroch (1942-2023) has died. May she rest in peace.

Mills Edward Kerl
1943-2024

Carolyn and Mills Kerl at the 50th Reunion by the Thomas Downey High School Class of 1961.

Mills Edward Kerl (Husband of Carolyn Mensing-Class of 1961)
February 11, 1943 – November 16, 2024
At 81 years old, our mellow, gentle giant, beloved husband, dad, papa, and friend quietly fell asleep with a tired heart and went to be with his Lord and Savior. He was born to Elmer and Martha Kerl on February 11, 1943, in Taft, California. It was wartime, and Elmer served in the Aleutians, and Mills and his mom lived with Grandpa Fletcher for 18 months. Mills’ only sibling, Karen, was born in Mississippi when Elmer was discharged from the army. Mills and Karen grew up in Oakdale, where their dad worked as a painting contractor, and their mom was a homemaker. It was an idyllic childhood, filled with love and pride, especially when Mills earned his Eagle Scout Award at 13. His accomplishment was celebrated with a memorable train trip to the Boy Scout Jamboree the following year. Mills deeply loved his hometown, and he remained close to the Oakdale High School Class of 1960, which still meets every year. After graduating from Oakdale High School, Mills attended Modesto Junior College, where his passion for souping-up cars began. Alongside his friend Les, Mills took a memorable road trip along Route 66, working along the way. He later spent one semester at San Jose State before transferring to Fresno State, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree. In 1965, Mills married his sweetheart, Carolyn Mensing, one week after graduation. Then, he attended Stanislaus State, where Mills earned his teaching credential. He went on to teach business classes and coach at Modesto High and Beyer High. Mills also served six years in the National Guard. Mills then transitioned to a building and painting contractor career, a field he loved. He found great satisfaction in the projects he worked on and the relationships he built. In 1978, Mills and Carolyn rededicated their lives to Christ, which brought a new focus and joy to their family life. They enjoyed many family activities, including water and snow skiing, house boating, scuba diving, and hunting.
Mills's life was blessed with a loving, supportive, and encouraging family and a circle of dear friends. Mills carried a big smile through it all,
especially in the last few years when he was surrounded by those he loved. He always had a peaceful presence, and his joy was infectious. To God Be the Glory! Mills is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Carolyn, and their two children: Eric and his wife, Lauren Kerl, of El Dorado Hills, and Kristin and her husband, Michael Wiebe, of Ripon. Mills' seven grandchildren were his pride and joy: Lauren Wiebe of Lynden, WA; Grant Wiebe of Ripon; Dillon Wiebe of Grand Canyon University, AZ; Noah Kerl of UC Davis; Ava Kerl of Cal Poly, SLO; and Wesley and Anderson Kerl of El Dorado Hills. Mills was preceded in death by his sister, Karen, whose passing occurred nearly five years to the day before his own. He is also survived by his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bill and Andi Mensing of Modesto, and nephews, Todd and Ryan Mensing. We want to offer a heartfelt and special thank you to the staff at The Park of Modesto, who welcomed Mills home on September 8, 2024, and to the many gentle caregivers who made our lives more manageable. We are so profoundly grateful for the compassionate care provided by Bristol Hospice. A Celebration of Life honoring Mills will be held on Friday, November 29, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Shelter Cove Community Church, 4242 Coffee Rd, Modesto, CA. Instead of flowers, remembrances may be made to Bristol Hospice, Boy Scouts of America, Christian Berets, Agape Children’s Ministry, or a charity of your choice.
Modesto, California—Mills Edward Kerl, 81, left us peacefully for heaven on November 16, 2024. He left behind his loving wife of 59 years, Carolyn Kerl, son Eric Kerl, daughter Kristin Wiebe, and seven grandchildren who loved their Papa and gave him such hope. A Celebration of Life for Mills will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 29, at Shelter Cove Community Church, 4242 Coffee Rd, Modesto, CA.