Age 76 years. Born to eternal life March 15, 2019 at Zilber Hospice in Wauwatosa. Born to life November 18, 1942 in Milwaukee son of John Ellsworth Kern and Ruth Ione Schlechta Kern. Beloved brother of James (Christine) Kern of Atlanta and Carol Kern of Cedaredge, Colorado. Dear uncle of Monica Parker, Stuart Schultz, and Rebecca (Kevin) Molitor. Further survived by great nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

Father Kern began his priestly formation while attending St. Francis de Sales Minor Seminary, 1956-1961; he completed his studies at St. Francis de Sales Major Seminary during the period of 1961-1968. he was ordained to the priesthood on May 18, 1968, at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Milwaukee, by Most Reverend William E. Cousins, Archbishop of Milwaukee.

Father Kern was appointed on June 18, 1968, to serve as an associate pastor at St. Eugene Parish, Fox Point. He was appointed on June 13, 1972 to the faculty at St. Francis de Sales College, Milwaukee. On June 14, 1977. Father was appointed a team member at St. Agnes Parish, Milwaukee, and on July 15, 1981, he was appointed administrator and team member for St. Agnes Parish. Father was appointed administrator and team member for St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Milwaukee, on June 19, 1984, Ss. Peter and Paul Parish, Milwaukee, was Father's first pastorate with his appointment on June 26, 1989. He was appointed on July 1, 1998 as moderator and team member for St. Richard Parish, Racine, and on July 1, 2001, was appointed pastor of St. Richard. After St. Richard's Father served at St. Catherine Parish, Milwaukee where he was appointed pastor on June 22, 2004. Father retired from active ministry on June 27, 2014. In addition to his parish ministry, Father was appointed Dean of District 13 on August 28, 1995, serving in this capacity until his reassignment in 1998 to another district.

Visitation Friday, March 22, 2019 at St. Catherine Church, 5101 West Center Street, Milwaukee from 11:00 AM until 1:15 PM.

A concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial for Father Kern will be celebrated at 1:30 PM on Friday March 22, 2019 at St. Catherine Church, Milwaukee.

Memorials appreciated to either: Pax Christi USA, Bread for the World, the House of Peace, or St. Catherine Parish.