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Bernard Kern Obituary

KERN Bernard Donald died on March 30, 2015 at the age of 95. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nedda Burdsall Kern. Bernard was born in New Castle, Indiana; his parents were William and Cecile Kern. He obtained his bachelor's and doctorate degrees from Indiana University. He worked for a time at the University of Chicago on the Manhattan Project that created the first atomic bomb; on one occasion he moved the world's entire supply of uranium from one room to another. He later joined the U.S. Navy as an officer and served on the escort aircraft carrier, Anzio (CVE-57), during WWII. After WWII, Bernard returned to Indiana University where he earned his Ph.D. in 1949. After a year's employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, he obtained a faculty position in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Kentucky, where he worked until his retirement in 1985. His research on nuclear structure resulted in over 60 scholarly publications. During his career, he also held sabbatical positions at the California Institute of Technology, University of Indonesia in Bandung, and the Nuclear Physics Institute in Julich, Germany, among others. After he retired, Bernard enjoyed playing bridge; collecting vintage cameras; researching his family's genealogy; locating large specimens of various tree species; and traveling with his family. Bernard is survived by three sons (Richard Kern, Chapel Hill, NC; Jonathan Kern, Lexington, KY; and Arthur Kern, Lexington, KY); five grandchildren (Larissa Kern, MD; Max Kern; Athena Kern; Isaac Kern; and Kenneth Juarez); and several great-grandchildren. No services. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Thomson Hood Veterans Center, which extended warm and loving care to Bernard during his time there, located in Wilmore, KY.

Published by Lexington Herald-Leader on Apr. 1, 2015.
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I met him and his wonderful family in August 1983. Until 1985 while my ex-husband and I were living in Lexington, Ky he shared a lot of nice events with us. I respected and admired him a great deal... I can still remember his kindness and nice hospitality. My children Zoltan, Dori and I were lucky enough to see and talk to him again in August, 2000. I will preserves my nice memories about him. I would like to express my sincere condolences towards all of his family....
Monika Maruzs (the former Mrs Gacsi)

April 2, 2015

He shared his recollection about his youth with me, an invaluable honour for me. He was an immensely great and fine person! I was lucky to get to know him and a part of his wonderful family. My full appreciation!

Zoltan Gacsi

April 2, 2015

I remember Nedda from Lakeland Chapter DAR. She was another member of the Greatest Generation.

Gay Harlowe

April 1, 2015

Bernard was always warm, friendly, and helpful to us, and also full of surprises. His family has all of our sympathy.

Joe and Yolie Brill

April 1, 2015

Dr. Kern was a great physics lecturer. He liked to use US Navy examples in his sophomore physics lectures! He will be missed by all who knew him. (Former student, mid-1970's.)

Gary Bastin

April 1, 2015

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