Stephen A. Kershner

Stephen A. Kershner, age 76, of Oldsmar, Florida, passed peacefully in his sleep on August 14, 2025, two months after a diagnosis of liver bile duct cancer. He was born on April 15, 1949, in Bluffton, Indiana, son of Robert and Barbara (Andrews) Kershner. Stephen graduated from Adams Central High School in Monroe, IN with the class of 1967. Following high school, he attended Indiana University-Purdue University­—Fort Wayne where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Geology and Elementary Education. After teaching, he continued his studies at Indiana University—Bloomington where he earned a Master of Library Science. It was there he met the love of his life, Kathy Schmidt, in card catalog class; they married on August 24, 1974, and they were devoted to one another for just shy of 51 years.

Stephen began his career in library science as a reference librarian just outside of St. Louis before accepting a position as a branch librarian at the Chagrin Falls Public Library Branch, settling in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. He later became Director of the Geauga County Public Library in Chardon, Ohio. Soon after, he and his young family moved to Birmingham, Michigan where he served as Director of both the Baldwin (Birmingham) and Bloomfield Township Public Libraries. Under his leadership, the two libraries were united and jointly managed until 1999. After a brief career change to serve as General Manager of Marriott Management Services (now Sodexho) in Beverly Hills, Michigan to run a new conference center, Stephen returned to his passion for libraries. He became Director of the Michigan Library Association in Lansing, Michigan, and later, after moving to Weeki Wachee, Florida, served as Assistant Director of the Pasco County Library in Hudson, Florida. His career culminated as Director of the Cook Memorial Public Library District in Illinois, a position he held until his retirement in 2015.

Stephen was a member of the American Library Association and, no matter where he was living, remained an active member of his local Rotary Club. He was very active with the Rotary Student Exchange program, where he sponsored and hosted numerous exchange students from around the world over the years with different clubs. He went above and beyond to support them, helping secure host families, arranging transportation, planning visits and meals, advising, and even welcoming several to stay in his own home.

From an early age, Stephen developed a love of horses and a fascination with the Wild West and Native American culture. His passion for horses grew into a lifelong pursuit, and he eventually co-owned several thoroughbred racehorses with Perry Ryan in Michigan, which competed at Ladbroke-Detroit Race Course (DRC). He enjoyed every aspect of the racing world, from time spent with horses, owners, jockeys, and trainers, to the thrill of watching horses run. Sharing this love with his daughters, he often took them to the racetrack to watch the races and to the barns, where together they helped care for the horses. Stephen also had a keen interest in the genealogy of thoroughbreds, spending countless hours studying bloodlines to understand how traits were passed down. In retirement, he transformed his passion into a business, founding K Bloodstock, a horse racing bloodstock agency. Through it, he advised breeders on purchases and partnerships, continuing to share his knowledge and enthusiasm for the sport he loved with professionals and friends.

Stephen was an avid reader with a deep appreciation for live music. A proud “Parrot Head,” he loved all things Jimmy Buffett, whether it was relaxing in a Hawaiian shirt and flip-flops, singing along to the music, or enjoying time at the local tiki bar. Later in life, Stephen took up golf; he enjoyed playing and was known for his excellent short game. He also looked forward to spending time each summer at Camp Michigania and enjoyed rock polishing and was a member of an informal group known as “The Gurus” of Week 4. They spent many hours together polishing Petoskey stones gathered from Michigan beaches and singing songs.

Community was very important to Stephen. Introducing himself as “Big Steve,” he had a gift for striking up conversations and never met a stranger. He had a unique way of making people feel seen and valued, always taking the time to learn their stories, so he could remember and greet them warmly the next time they crossed paths. Joyful and jovial, Stephen was never without a dad joke or a good story to share. Children were especially delighted by his Donald Duck voice, and he was quick to bring a smile with his playful humor. For Stephen, family was at the center of his life. He found joy in staying connected, celebrating together, and creating lasting memories and traditions. Whether he was cooking up a batch of his famous sloppy joes, sharing photos of every meal when distance separated him from loved ones, keeping up with everyone through Facebook, or playing a competitive game of euchre, Stephen’s love for his family was constant. Stephen will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Stephen is survived by his loving wife, Kathy Kershner; his daughters, Liz (Kevin) Whiteacre and Katy (Kris) Tarpley; his grandchildren, Hattie Whiteacre, Aiden Tarpley, and Ronan Tarpley; his brother, Phillip (Karen Schory) Kershner; his sisters-in-law, Ann Kershner, Jacki Kershner, and Barbara (Peter) Pappadakes; his brother-in-law, John (Melanie) Mihocik; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Barbara Kershner; his brothers, Robert Kershner and Daniel Kershner; and his sister-in-law, Nancy Mihocik.

A Celebration of Life will be held in South Lyon, Michigan on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 3:00-6:00 pm. Details are forthcoming. Please fill out this Google Form to let the family know that you would like to attend and Liz will share event details with you: https://forms.gle/dDKj4BzLXykADM768.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorial contributions to RTCA-TBA (Race Track Chaplaincy of America-Tampa Bay Downs), PO Box 2211, Oldsmar, FL 34667.