Paul Carl Kerschensteiner's Obituary
Paul Carl Kerschensteiner, 82 years old, passed away on March 26, 2025 at OSU East Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.
He is survived by his three children: Lucinda Kerschensteiner (David Miller), Holly Kerschensteiner-Logan (James), and Brad Kerschensteiner (Astrid Pabon Toro); grandchildren: Parker, Liam, Mateo and Maria Jose; former wife Amelia (Midge) Dunaway and cousin, Barbara Guskin. He is preceded in death by his wife, Sharon Garbe Kerschensteiner; his sister, Peggy Yerke and brother-in-law, Robert.
Paul was born on April 18, 1942 in Columbus, Ohio. His parents Hildegard and Paul Kerschensteiner immigrated to the US from Germany in the 1920s and raised Paul and his sister, Peggy, in Upper Arlington. As a family, they were active in the Columbus Maennerchor and celebrated many holidays and special occasions at the club. Paul graduated from Columbus Academy in 1960, served in the Ohio National Guard and graduated from Columbus Business University.
Paul spent his childhood summers at Buckeye Lake with his family where he enjoyed trick-skiing, fishing, exploring the canals of the lake and playing euchre late into the night.
Paul grew up working in his father’s business, Industrial Machinery Company, where he honed his people skills. He spent his entire career passionately running the business.
Paul was known for throwing a party or two in his lifetime - parties with crazy themes, games and prizes. He took his passion for hosting social gatherings to the next level when he purchased and operated “Club 51” (now Papa Boo’s) in the 1980s and 1990s at Buckeye Lake. He transformed the lake life by bringing musical talent from Columbus, renting out the first jet skis, and hosting beach parties including Surf Ohio.
Paul loved shopping for unique items at the annual Columbus Winter Fair and during his travels, always negotiating for the best price and often returning with larger-than-life pieces like HuckleBear that greeted everyone at the lake house. To commemorate his marriage to Sharon Garbe in 2001, they commissioned an artist to capture the guests in a large life-like painting that mesmerized visitors at their home. The painting is on display at Creekside at the Village in his memory where it can be enjoyed by all.
Everyone who knew Paul experienced his curiosity and endured his candid line of questioning. He loved offering career and relationship advice to young adults. He struck up conversation with anyone and everyone, often being able to intuit something meaningful about their personal lives within minutes. Strangers became lifelong friends.
Paul was also known for his quirky expressions such as “Hi, I’m Glen Campbell!” and “Don’t tell me the labor pains, just give me the baby.” He had a Zen-like acceptance of difficult life circumstances, always proclaiming, “It is what it is”.
In his later years, Paul drove a golf cart to get around Bexley. If friends spotted his golf cart at Panera or Starbucks, they would stop to visit with him.
Family would like to extend sincere gratitude to the staff at Grant Hospital, OSU East and Creekside at the Village who took exceptional care of him.
A celebration of life will be held by family in mid-May at Buckeye Lake. Please contact the family for more information.
What’s your fondest memory of Paul?
What’s a lesson you learned from Paul?
Share a story where Paul's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Paul you’ll never forget.
How did Paul make you smile?