Earl Gene Kershner
June 1, 1928-Nov. 30, 2025
Palo Alto, California

Earl Gene “Gene” Kershner, age 97, passed away peacefully on November 30, 2025, near his home of 68 years in Palo Alto, CA. Born on June 1, 1928, in Defiance, Ohio, to Mabel May (Higley) and Worthy August Kershner, Gene lived a long and purposeful life marked by dedication, service, and faith. Gene served his country proudly in the Korean War as a First Lieutenant from 1951 to 1955. After returning home, he pursued his passion for design and earned his degree from the School of Architecture at The Ohio State University in 1957, graduating with honors, including the AIA Award and the Medal for Academic Excellence. In 1957, Gene began a distinguished 34-year career at Stanford University, ultimately retiring in 1991 as Associate Director of Facilities Project Management. His leadership and expertise were widely recognized; in 1987 he received the Charles Edward Hodges Award for Excellence in Facilities Project Management. Gene was an active member of the Association of University Architects beginning in 1970, serving on its board from 1983 to 1987 and as President in 1986. He received the organization’s Distinguished Service Award in 1992 and remained a respected member emeritus well into the 2000s. A man of deep faith, Gene had been a devoted member of Peninsula Bible Church in Palo Alto since 1973. His steady presence, integrity, and generosity of spirit touched the lives of many. Gene is survived by his loving daughters, Lorri Kershner of Santa Cruz, CA, and Robin Branch of Belmont, CA; four grandchildren, Rory Stansbury, Fearon Hosmer, Loran Branch, and Harris Branch; and two great-grandchildren, Eve and June Stansbury. He will be remembered for his great sense of humor with great affection and gratitude by all who knew him.

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