Marlo was born in Pasadena, California to Monroe and Amy Kerner. Amy moved the family to Escalon, California when Monroe joined the Navy in World War II and was shipped to Guam.
Marlo attended elementary and high school in Escalon where he excelled in music and sports. A fine arts recipient, class president, and football quarterback his junior and senior years; he took his team to two school championships.
Upon graduation he enrolled in Modesto Junior College with a major in music. Thereafter, he decided that being a music teacher was not his preference and he began working for his family furniture stores in Oakdale and Escalon. At that time he began taking interior design courses at UC Berkeley.
While attending MJC he joined the Naval Reserves and completed eight years of service.
At MJC he met the love of his life, Hazel Marie Gambini. Two years later Marlo asked Mr. Gambini’s permission to marry his daughter and it was granted. On June 2, 1956 before a large gathering of guests they were married at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with a grand reception to follow.
Marlo continued to work in the furniture business until his family sold the businesses. It was then that Marlo came to Lodi to work at M. Newfield & Son Furniture while continuing and completing his design classes.
He then opened Marlo Interiors, a design shop. It was during this time that Marlo and Burton Towne, III, purchased Wein’s Tavern in Woodbridge and The Woodbridge Feed and Fuel Restaurant became a reality for some 10 years. Marlo designed the interiors, played the piano nightly and the restaurant became a “go to” place.
Marlo then opened an office in San Francisco and did design and furniture projects locally, the Bay Area, Southern California and Hawaii. In the late 1980’s when the fax machine appeared, he then realized that he could work from anywhere and he returned to Lodi and kept an office in his home.
Because music was always a passion, especially traditional jazz, it became a priority. As a volunteer member of the Lodi Arts Commission, he started a program at Hutchins Street Square, “Night Time Live” where he brought professional musicians to entertain. He often joined them with his musical talent. The program successfully continued for some 18 years.
In the early 1990’s when the downtown revitalization was launched Marlo was involved in the design and furnishings, and the opening of Hazel’s Restaurant.
Marlo was a member of Woodbridge Golf and Country Club for over 50 years where he enjoyed many rounds of golf and travels with Hazel, golfing buddies, and friends.
Marlo is survived by his loving wife, Hazel; brother, John Kerner (Sherry); nephew, Michael Kerner (Lisa), children, Simon, Kayci, Miles; nephew, Christopher (Laura); brother-in-law, Joe Gambini (Lois); nephew, Rod Gambini (Andriea); nieces, Tori (Erick); Toni Conrad, their children: Madison, Anthony (Kamie), Cody: Mindy, Jon, Miguel, Isabella; Lauren, Evan: many cousins and cherished friends.
Preceded in death by his parents, Amy and Monroe Kerner; brothers, Melvin and Jerry Kerner; nephew, Matthew Kerner; sister-in-law, Lila Gambini.
Services are private.
Memorial remembrances may be made to Lodi Salvation Army, 525 W. Lockeford St., Lodi, CA 95240.
Please sign the guest book at https://www.cherokeememorial.com/services-obituaries/2023/7/24/marlo-kerner
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
The Riverbank (Calif.) News
Aug. 2, 2023
