John Kerr Obituary

Just want to send my condolences to the family and friends of Mr.Johnny "Red" Kerr! My brother and I grew up Bulls fans and "Red" was the voice of our childhood. We were able to attend our 1st Bulls game Jan.12,2024 against the Warriors! We didn't come away with the Win but it was still a WIN!! We were able to meet Mr.Kerr's daughter, granddaughter, and great granddaughter and they were very nice ladies. Beautiful Family!! Much Luv

Just want to send my condolences to the family and friends of Mr.Johnny "Red" Kerr! My brother and I grew up Bulls fans and "Red" was the voice of our childhood. We were able to attend our 1st Bulls game Jan.12,2024 against the Warriors! We didn't come away with the Win but it was still a WIN!! We were able to meet Mr.Kerr's daughter, granddaughter, and great granddaughter and they were very nice ladies. Beautiful Family!! Much Luv

MATTHEW LISTY

At John 5:28, 29, Jesus said: “Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out.” This means that all dead loved ones will come back to life.

Our Condolence for your loss !

Dear family of Johnny, My family and I are sorry for your loss. I remember Johnny very well during the days of his youth. Johnny's mother and my mother (Marie Osterkorn) always kept in touch after University of Illinois basketball games. My brother (Wally Ox Osterkorn)and Johnny were teammates and Phi Kappa Psi frat brothers at U of I and also played together with the Syracuse Nationals.I remember dancing with Johnny in Champaign. Johnny was always on the go and I know you all will miss him. God bless you all. Sincerely, Marylyn Ahlfeld

May God comfort your family during this time of grief.

Dear Johnny I am so sorry I did not get to your Tribute. I found out about it too late. As a teammate and friend I remember all the good times we shared as teammates with the Nats. I remember the golf tournaments we played in and had so much fun and we won. You were special and i will foreever thank God you were my friend. I love you, rest in Peace

Dear Joan and family, our condolences go out to your and your family on the loss of a great man. My mom and dad have told me what a great man he was and still is, and I personally loved listening to him on Bulls telecasts. Rest in peace Johnny, you deserve it.

I worked with son Jim and loved hearing all about Red's career. My deepest sympathies to Jim and the entire Kerr family.

YES I NEVER PLAYED BASKETBALL BUT I IN ABOUT WAY RELATED TO JOHNNY WENT TO ROCKBRIDGE MO ONCE WITH HIM WHILE HE WAS VISTING IN MOUNTAIN GROVE MO, SOME OF HIS WIFES FOLKS..

Dear Kerr family, My sympathy on the loss of your dad. I enjoyed listening to him during the games. I interviewed him, when he came in for surgery and since I was on the phone, I didn't really place the name, except when he told me how tall he was and I said "oh did you play baskeball?" Then he said yes and I knew who he was. We both laughed about it. Something I thought would brighten your day. Again please accept my deepest sympathy. We lost a great one.

Dear Joan, Joe, Noa family and Kerr family.......My heartfelt condolences to all of you......Joan, I know how much your little brother, Red, meant to you.....his passing has left a void in the heart of everyone who knew him.....something about those Tilden Boys.....like Johnny Red Kerr, Bill Bib Gay and my brother, Manny Rey....May they all rest in peace....Your brother was a good person......he will be missed.

My condolences to your family. Although I did not know your Father and Father-in-Law, he was obviously a wonderful man and had a special place in the hearts of many.

My condolences to the Kerr family. My boyfriend and I ran into Johnny at Durbin's in Burbank about a year ago. He was the nicest man, and took time to talk to us and sign a couple of autographs. We were also at the Bulls game when he was honored. He will be truly missed.

WHEN I WAS IN HIGH SCHOOL, I WORKED FOR THE CONTRACTOR, THAT BUILT JOHN'S HOUSE IN DEWITT, N.Y. NEXT DOOR TO THE DOLPH SHAYES FAMILY. YEARS LATER, I WAS IN CHICAGO, AND STOPPED AT MILLERS PUB, AND JOHN WAS THERE, I WENT OVER AND SPOKE WITH HIM AND HE REMEMBERED US KIDS WORKING ON AND AROUND HIS HOME. HE WAS A GREAT MAN. GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY

I remember John even after 60 yrs. and days of going every Sunday to the movies at the rex or southtown, I remember playing soccer and basketball with John. I played on the CYO team when the story of Ed Benson came out. Goodbye John. Iwill always remember you as a great kid and a very nice person.

Mr. and Mrs. Matt Kerr and Meagan,

I am so sorry for your loss. I would like to send my deepest condolences and give you my full support in your time of need. I hope for nothhing more than your well being. Again, I am so sorry for your loss.

God Bless his family as Johnny is watching from above.

Dear Mary Tobin,

Thank you for your thoughts. I would love to catch up with you. You can reach me at the phone number you used this summer.

KERR-NOA FAMILY
WE ARE SO VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. JOAN YOU WERE A GOOD FRIEND TO FRED'S MOM AND FAMILY AND I KNOW HOW MUCH YOUR BROTHER WILL BE MISSED BY YOU AND BY ALL THE PEOPLE THAT KNEW, LOVED AND RESPECTED HIM. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

To Jodie and the rest of the Kerr family --

I am so sorry for your loss and will keep Mr. Kerr and all of you in my thoughts and prayers. Jodie, I would love to get in touch again when the time is right.

God bless.

Dear Kerr Family,

My condolences to the Kerr family.
Red was and is a Chicago Bull. I meet him only once. Loved his broadcasts on WGN. What a RED BULL!!!

Matt,

Please accept our deepest sympathies for the loss of your great father. Although there is a huge void in the hearts of everyone who knew Red, we are grateful for all his contributions as each touched everyone directly or indirectly in a positive way.

From you friends at HRCigar,

Bob Garcia, Greg Shaw and Jim Ziganto

I am sorry to here about the loss of Mr. Kerr.I had the pleasure to meet him a few times..what a cool guy.As a valet at an orlando hotel "da bulls" would stay often during the nba season..one day i finally asked Mr. kerr if i could take a peek at the championship ring he had on(the six peet).He said sure and placed it in my hand..WOW! I will never forget that! A true honor to have meet such a legend...

Dear Matt, Therese and Meagan, Our hearts go out to you in this difficult time. We know that all of your fabulous memories will help to ease the grief and knowing that he loved each of you and was so proud of you. Take care of each other---we love you---

my deepest sympathies to the Kerr Family. I only met him at my store a few times where he used to shop, he always had a smile on his face, always very pleasant to be around. I was saddened to hear of his passing.He touched many peoples lives. He was a truly unforgettable man.

To The Kerr Family:

My family and I were saddened to hear of the loss of my good friend, the "Redhead". Hopefully the family will find comfort in knowing John and Betsy are together again.

While John was a terrific broadcaster, he never failed to express his enthusiasm of the Bulls and could never hide the fact that he was the team's biggest fan. He also gave himself freely to many worthwhile causes like Maryville and Red Cloud to name a couple. He was the best.

Once again to Joanie and the rest of the family, our deepest sympathies.

An old friend,

No words can express my deepest sympathy for the Kerr family in their loss. We wish you comfort in knowing that you are surrounded with prayers and love.

SENDING OUR LOVE, PRAYERS, & CONDOLENCES TO THE KERR FAMILY & ALL WHO KNEW MR. KERR.

To Joan,Joe and Family, This is Ronnie and Mary Wilsons daughter in Phoenix,I was devastated to here about Johnny.I just happened to turn on the Chicago news and seen it I was shocked.As you know my mom and dad are also gone now.They are all in HEAVEN together now.The last time I seen you is right before we moved to Phoenix I was real young.You cut my long bond hair lol.I still remember some things.And also when we use to go to Johnny and Betsys house here in Phoenix.My mom and dad left me with very good memories and pic. of all of you I was young but I remember you all in chicago.well my prayers go out to your family and the Kerr family love and miss you all.Take care love you.

Johnny and I were classmates at
Perkins Bass Grammar School. Even then, he was mischievous...playing with my braids as I sat in front of him. Later at the U. of I. I used to see him at Lincoln Avenue Residence-where Betsy also lived.
The couch was in a small niche and
I could see his legs sticking out even
before I could see him. He was always so happy andup-beat. My
sincere condolences to all his family.

Dear Kerr Family,
Our hearts go out to you at your loss. He will be greatly missed. I was fortunate enough to get to know Johnny "RED" Kerr as a friend. I will miss him and all his jokes. He always could make me laugh especially when we were golfing.He was a great person and always treated everyone with much respect.

WHAT A GREAT GUY, ALWAYS LOVED TO VISIT THE BRAT STOP AFTER BULLS/BUCKS GAMES. VERY CORDIAL, WILLING TO GIVE AUTOGRAPHS AND TALK ROUNDBALL. MORE PEOPLE IN THE NBA SHOULD TAKE NOTICE OF WHAT CHARACTER IS ALL ABOUT, THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES "RED".

Dearest Kerr and Noa Families;
Our hearts are heavy with sadness for the loss of such a special man. He touched our lives, with his kindness, generosity , huge spirit and fun loving ways. It has been our pleasure to share him with you, for the past 25 years. We grieve with you and pray for you. May God Bless you with His Grace and the strength you need at this time. May you find comfort in the wonderful memories of him. Love and Prayers Mary and Bill Schlichtman.

And he was a good union man.

To: Kerr Family,

Rest in Peace Johnny "Red" Kerr.. Keep Pray in Strong.. Steady be FAITH!! Yes I really miss him ..Big Hugs @---->-----"Rose"

We always enjoyed listening to your broadcasts of the Bulls games. You would always let us know what was really going on - both on the floor and in the locker room....always loved your rapport with Michael Jordan and the "group". We watched while you were recently honored by the team You earned your way! We miss you already. .
Bob and Liz/ Glen Ellyn, Il.

How I long for the days of the Bulls winning games and Kerr talking about how great they are. Sorry to hear about the death of your loved one. Please when you have a minute read Acts 24:15. I hope it bring you comfort.

Dear God-
Thank you for sharing Mr. Kerr with us; what a ride!!!

Red, your a class act and a good

neighbor!!

Our thoughts and prayers are with

the Kerr Family.

I went to many Syracuse Nats games at the War Memorial to watch Johnny Kerr.He was a great basketball player and more important,a great gentleman.My condolence to the Kerr family.

Dear Joanie and Kerr Family.
My sister Barbara Erickson Anderson (husband Norman) and I spent an hour on the 'phone remembering seventy years of delightful "doings".
The Lord blessed us at Bethel, Tilden Tech, Englewood High, and on and on. I haven't spoken with you since your Mother died, but I think of you often and pray the Lord will bring you comfort and peace. Love and hugs, Joanie....

My uncle Mark Zirino went to school with John Red Kerr at Tilden Tech, they used to be pretty good friends,My dad tells me the stories about how he would come over to there house, He was a great person I grew up watching the Chicago Bulls and John Red Kerr played a huge part with watching The Bulls! He will be missed dearly He was the best announcer ever, I use to watch the nba finals and about 4 out of the 6 championships John Red and the Chicago Bulls would bring me outside to play basketball till 3 am 4 out of those 6 years. There will never be another announcer like him He brought so much excitement and Strength to the Bulls team. So sorry for your loss! He was a great person! With deepest sympathy.

Look in the dictionary for the word "class", and ... you're bound to see a picture of Red Kerr next to the entry!

God keep him and love him---as we did.

REST IN PEACE BIG JOHN!

Dear Matt, Therese and Megan,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time of sadness. Reflect on all the good times. I was so happy to see the great half time tribute. What a guy!

Dear Bill & tammie, So sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of Red a few years back, thanks for bringing me by his place. I wish I had a father like him! Hope to see you all soon. God bless you, Mike

To the Kerr Family~
I am deeply saddened by the loss of Mr. Johnny "Red" Kerr. I never had the opportunity to watch him play or coach, but as a Chicago Bulls fan, I came to know, appreciate and will always remember his pre-game interviews, game commentary along side Tommy Dore,and the frequent mentioning of Besty! May God grant you peace and comfort.

"A moment lasts all of a second, but the memory lives on forever."

Kerr Family, Our deepest sympathy to your family. They will be in our prayers. Al Davis Family Oakland Raiders Owner.

My condolences to the Kerr family. I enjoyed his broadcasting as much as MJ's feats on the court. He joins Harry Caray and Jack Brickhouse in heaven and he was as good as them in his own sincere way. We will miss him dearly.

Dear Matt, Therese, Meagan, and the entire Kerr family.

I am so very sorry and deeply saddened about the passing of your very beloved father, father-in-law, grandfather, and brother, Johnny "Red" Kerr. My heart goes out to all of you for your great loss and my deepest sympathy, thoughts, and prayers are with you. I am praying that God gives you all His Strength to get through this very difficult time and His Peace which surpasses all understanding knowing that God has embraced him in His Loving Arms and he is now at peace and home with God. Mr. Kerr was an amazing man and I am very honored to have known him.

Love, Hugs, and God Bless You All,

Laura/Aunt Laura

To the Kerr Family,
I am so sorry at your loss. At everyone's loss. Having met John and Betsy many times in my life I know they were the best. I have heard stories about them my entire life because as a young man when John needed the cash he would work for Lifschultz trucking riding with either my Dad or Uncle, Roy & Frank Myers. Those three had great times and were far to much alike. I can hear the stories they are telling now.

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help at this time.

I'm so sorry to hear about the family Kerr loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Lynda Horrell/Gilbertsen
Friend of Ed Kerr and Family
[email protected]

With the deepest sympathy, my heart reaches out to comfort the whole Kerr family with prayers and love. May John G. Kerr rest in peace, and may you have peace of heart knowing how much he loved you.
Sincerely,
Georgia Roulo

Thank you for your prayers, comments and support for my family.

THE BULLS WIN!! THE BULLS WIN!! It won't be the same without you Red. Keep "doing your thing" always!!

To the Kerr Family,Sorry to hear of your fathers death.My condolence goes out to you.I remember your family when we lived in Chicago also when you lived hear in Phoenix.I think my father Ronnie Wilson was Jonnys 2nd cousin.I loved watching the games.You are in my thoughts and prayers.Remembering the family.Again sorry for your loss...

Rest in peace.

To the Kerr Family:
Sorry about your loss. Jehovah God is with you in your time of need. "Draw close to God and he will draw close to you." (James 4:8)

To the Kerr family,
I have had the pleasure of being in the family through Johnny's wife Betty,cousin of Don Blanck. I have many fond memories of dinners,weddings, and other get togethers we have had.
Johnny will be greatly missed by everyone, the Bulls,and especially his
children and grand children.
You are now in peace with Betty.
Marilyn Spalo,Downers Grove, il

Rest in peace my old friend. Glad you enjoyed my old light up tie. I admit it looked (a little) better on you! I will always cherish the good times and memories.

To the Family of Johnny Red Kerr,
Very sorry to hear of your loss. The many memories you have must be just outstanding. What a great person. My time at Tilden Tech H.S., 1948/52 was the first time of knowing of Red, the many games I went to, even the football games at Shewbridge field where Johnny would carry out the water bucket to the football team. What a sight. The many times seeing/talking to him at Jack& Jean Ruddy's home and all those weddings, birthdays and celebrations with Red being there. We wish the family the best. our condolences, GOD Bless you all.
Yes, being with TWA 40 yrs, I too as Phil Carlson stated met with Red working the Gates at ORD. Always a pleasure.
Tom & Joan Sharkey

It's a voice that I will never forget. So many memorable moments. I still vividly remember "The Bulls win, The Bulls win" Jordan's shot on Ehlo. It's hard to watch a game now and not think of Johnny "Red" Kerr.

I never had the pleasure of meeting you or having your autograph for my Bull collectoion. I could always count on seeing you when I watched the Bulls in good time and bad YOU were there and now you are gone along with Norm. What a sad day and I cried...... You will always be remembered and I will miss you. The 72/10 season was the frosting on the cake that you were a part of and shared with us. I can hear you now...... In heaven you will be either coaching or calling the game with a team of angels. God bless your family and may they have the strength to get through the days ahead.

RED'S DAYS WITH THE ABA'S VIRGINIA SQUIRES ARE MY FONDEST MEMORIES OF HIM. I WAS WITH HIM THE NIGHT OF JULIUS ERVING'S FIRST EXHIBITION GAME AGAINST THE KENTUCKY COLONELS AT THE VIRGINIA STATE GYM OUTSIDE OF RICHMOND, VA., CIRCA 1972. WITHIN TWO MINUTES OF OPENING TIP, DOC DROVE RIGHT BASELINE AROUND DAN ISSEL AND THEN DUNKED OVER ARTIS GILMORE. THE BALL BOUNCED OFF ARTIS' HEAD AND WENT HIGHER THAN JULIUS' AFRO. RED AND I HIGH FIVED AND AGREED THAT A LEGEND HAD BEEN BORN. HISTORY BEARS US OUT.

WHAT A GREAT GUY, WHO WILL BE MISSED BY ALL. HE ALWAYS WORKED THE ROOM.

Dear PaPa Essie just called me and told me you went home to rest in peace in Gods arms with your lovely wife Betty. I will miss you so much. Thank you for giving me the best daughter in law in the world. We will all meet again some day. Love you. Ruth Harrington

I listened to Johnny and Jim Durham call the Bulls games on the radio back in the late 80's and early 90's. I saw him work with Wayne Larrivee in the early 90's too. He had a great energy, and enthusiasm for the game. He really loved the Bulls. He will be missed. I send my deepest sympathies.

Kerr families
I enjoyed Johnny Red Kerr and missed him.
My father Bill Postl was Johnny Red Kerr's basketball coach at Tilden High School

My deepest sympathy to Red's family. I always enjoyed talking with Red at the games and/or on the phone and when he would come into our office to visit his long time friend Sid Port. I have a bobble-head of Red on my desk at home that I look at every day, smile and say to myself, "now there was a great man"! He will be remembered always. Rest in peace.

As a fellow Illini Alum, I watched you play at Illinois, drank at the Midway with you and the others on the team, relished your years on the Bulls and followed you from then on..Your passing is a sad one for all that knew you and your family but it also puts forth my tenure at Illinois and the wonderful 4 years I spent there. God Bless,

Anita Bitkower Straus '56

My condolences to the Kerr family.
As a founcing member of the Frank Leahy American Legion Post, I had, on many occasions, the opportunity to see, and spend enjoyable hours with John; especially, parading on St Patrick's Day, where I had the privilege of meeting and knowing, his wonderful family.

While attending Riverside Brookfield High School, I served as a student manager for the basketball team. For most games in the 84-85 season, my in-game job was to videotape the games. Mr. Kerr and I sat together many times during that season as I taped and he watched Jim play. All these years later, I'm not exactly sure why he chose to sit with me as often as he did, but I certainly recognized that it was a special opportunity. He could not have been nicer. Thank you.

Mr. Kerr embodied the Bulls for me, even though I did not really begin following them until 1988. He had a congenial attitude, a friendliness about him that made the games so enjoyable to watch but also now makes you want to be a better person. "Red" will be missed by those of us who had the privilege of hearing his insight and humor but also by our sons who didn't get the chance.

Please accept our deepest sympathies. We will never forget Johnny bending over to come through our front door and we were very blessed to have been able to hear him tell so many great stories! He was a very kind man to all around him and he will truly be missed.

OUR CONDOLENCES TO THE MR. JOHNNY KERR FAMILY! HE WILL BE FOREVER REMEMBERED IN OUR HEARTS. (RIP) MR. KERR *WE WILL ALWAYS BE A FAN*

Essie & Family...I know how much you loved your dad and how you will miss him. I am very sorry for your loss.

Essie

I am saddened to hear of the loss of your father, tho I never met him I know you were proud of him. I remember walking into your house helping you with your plumbing in Homewood and you had mentioned that your dad was Red Kerr. I didn't know who he was until I had seen him on TV, Then I called you and was like, Essie your dads on TV. Now I realize what a legend he was. Thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Miss coming to your house since you have moved away!

Like all Bull fans, I appreciated Red's honest yet encouraging commentary during the down years as well as during the good times. He is truly a Chicago icon, and will be remembered.

Matt, Therese, Meghan and Kerr Family,

" I have this feeling there's one more star up in the sky tonight. And even though it's far away, its brightness and warmth still reach us here to make the night a little less dark.
With our deepest sympathy,
Rona, Gary, Zack, Peri and Pritikin Family

To the family of Johnny Kerr,
Very sorry for you’re lost, although i wouldn't be at many games i met Johnny and would see him at the restaurant Nikos were i performed in the dinning room. Really a nice guy.
John O'Keefe

Rest In Peace. You Will Be Missed.

First met Johnny when working at O'hare Airport for TWA we took care of the Bulls team and even had a special parking place for him out there. When Johnny moved to Phoenix to coach the Suns, My wife and I drove his car out for him. When we arrived at the house the moving van hadn't arrived yet, Johnny was sitting in the pool with a grapefruit he had just picked off the tree in the yard and a little bottle of ? just enjoying the good life and the sunshine. The house was completly empty.
The kids all remember that pool I am sure. Today I heard the sad news of his passing, and had to go to work at the Cubs game here in Surprise, AZ and a man came walking through the parking lot with a Tilden Tech H.S. T-Shirt on, what a coincidence. I stopped him and told him the sad news. They had played ball togather there. Sure the kids will remember Horse back riding at Squaw Peak with Johnny and Betsy. What fun everyone had with them.
Thank you for great memories you have given us all.
Johnny rest in peace. God bless the family.

He was a great man.

To the Kerr Family. I am deeply saddened about the death of Johhny.
But I know in my heart that Irv & Johnny are looking for all of their teamates and are already playing ball as they did throughout their college years. Irv and I truely loved him for the person he was. MUCH LOVE TO YOUR FAMILY IN YOUR LOSS.

Mr Johnny "Red" Kerr was a wonderful man who loved his family and the Bulls dearly. We met him and his family when my mom and Betsy were in ICU at the same time in Loyola Hospital. He will be missed by everyone. Our deepest sympathy to you Matt, Therese, Megan and the rest of the Kerr family. He is smiling down on all of you, with Betsy at his side.

REST IN PEACE JOHNNY KERR

I can't recall a time when I was with you or in your company that you didn't always have everyone in the palm of your hands. Our winning of two color TV's at the Itasca Invitational is a memory I will never forget. Thanks to Don "Chico" Rose who introduced me to you and the start of our friendship.

From Irv Bemoras Middle Son.
My familys deepest symapathy.
I know how much Johhny meant to my Father.
I know you will find the strength to deal with such a devastating loss. Johnny was truely special!!!!

Love The Bemoras Family

sorry about your lost you are a great coach

You will be great missed.

To Jim and the Kerr family:
Am terribly saddened to learn of your father's passing. I remember when photographer Jeff Erickson and I did a feature on your dad (for WDAZ-TV) when he came to watch you play at the University of North Dakota. He could not have been kinder. It was a textbook case of "the bigger they are, the nicer they are." My deepest sympathies to you and your family.

Tothe family of "Red" Kerr, I send my deepest sympathy. They are my second family. My love goes out to Joan, Joe and their family

Not just a Bulls fan. I am a fan of Johnny Red Kerr. Not just the Red we come to know and love on television, but the man behind the scenes. Johnny, you are an inspiration to all who choose to live a life full of integrity, loyalty, and humble humility. You will be missed not only as a valuable Bulls team member, but as Johnny Red Kerr, the man, by all left on earth to mourn your passing.

Dear Family,
Johnny and Betsy will always be in my heart for the closeness and kindness they showed to my parents. The Illinois years were better because of John. We'll miss him very much. Love, Janie

Red
Enjoyed following your career since first seeing you play against Marshall H.S. and Irv Bemoras, later your team-mate at Illinois, and continuing to the NBA as a player, Bull's coach, and broadcaster. Thanks for the memories. Condolences to your family

I've been watching the Bulls play since the mid 80's, I guess when Jordan first started playing, and I always liked the way "Red" called the games. It's not the same watching the Bulls without hearing Reds voice. You will be and you are missed. R.I.P. Red head

You will be missed. God bless you and keep you.