Vivian Kern

Vivian Kern

Vivian Agnes Misevicz Kern, age 96, fell asleep in Christ July 10, 2012 after a long life of selfless giving. Love was returned to her in her final days as family and friends surrounded her. She touched many lives with her kind words and beautiful smile. She was a caring, compassionate person who would help those in need. She asked for nothing in return except to know how things were going. She had a zest for life and learning, always interested in exploring new ideas. She will live on in the hearts of those she touched, to comfort and inspire.

Vivian was born in Berlin, Wisconsin April 22, 1916, one of ten children. Following school, Vivian worked in Milwaukee as a governess. At age 24 she met and married James Kern. Their life journey took them to Texas, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Missouri where they made many friends with whom they continued to keep in touch. Together they provided a loving, learning environment for their children and grandchildren.

After moving to Springfield, Vivian volunteered with various organizations: St. Joseph's Catholic Church Altar Society and CCD, Region #4 Diocesan Council of Catholic Women as President, Laubauch Adult Literacy, Birthright, Hope House, Maggie's Boutique, and was an active member of the Oblates of St. Benedict. She was one of the first employees at the SMS University Childcare Center as a bookkeeper. Her hard work ethic, interest in learning new skills, and enjoyment of life made her an invaluable employee, friend and mother. She loved the earth and its creatures, was an avid gardener, and an expert in recycling.

Her husband, James, precedes Vivian in death. Surviving are her sister, Sr. Mary Josephe of Elm Grove, WI, and all ten of her children: Mary Hufferd, Jean Lingo (Wayne), Jerry Kern (Brenda), Carolyn Brown, Mike Kern (Sara), Patti Kern, Janet Kern (George Wolf), Rita Otradovec (Steve), Clem Kern (Joann), and Tom Kern; 19 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.

The family wishes to express appreciation to the staff of Christian Health Care and Rehab of Springfield East, Regional Hospice, the faithful volunteers who provided respite care for Vivian's daughters, and the many friends whose encouragement and support were vital to Vivian's well being in her last days.

In her giving way, Vivian has donated her body to St. Louis Medical Center. A rosary service will be held at 8:00pm Friday, July 20th, at Holy Trinity Parish Hall. A memorial mass will be held Saturday, July 21st, at 11:00am in the parish hall as well. Online condolences may be left at www.gormanscharpf.com. In lieu of flowers, Vivian requested donations be made to Holy Trinity Catholic Church or Isabel's House Crisis Nursery, www.facebook.com/IsabelsHouse.