Leonard Kern

Mr. Leonard "Len" J. Kern of Visalia passed away after a courageous battle with brain cancer in Visalia at the age of 74. Len was born May 6, 1936 in Indiana, Pennsylvania to Leo and Jane Kern. In 1956 he married the love of his life (Joan Colgen Kern) and together settled in Pennsylvania and started their family. In 1974, they moved to Visalia, where he worked for Sunkist Growers Inc. Soon after he opened Kern Fruit Broker Co. Len also worked as a Substitute Teacher for Visalia Unified School District. He was also passionate about selling real estate as an agent. Len was an avid golfer and also enjoyed flying, baseball and spending time with family and friends. Len was a very active in local sports as a baseball Umpire, soccer coach for AYSO and CYSA and when El Diamante High School open he coached the Girls Soccer for 4 years. He will be best remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and dear friend. As referred to by his grandchildren, Pap will be greatly missed. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 54 years, Joan Kern of Visalia; 2 sons, Todd Kern and wife Kathy of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Brian Kern and wife Gettia of Las Vegas; 2 daughters, Barbara Neves and husband Jeff of Visalia; Tammy McCrowie and husband Nate of Fayetteville, North Carolina; beloved 14 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren; a brother, Jim Kern of Atlanta, Georgia; a sister, Nancy Ackerson of Climber, Pennsylvania. God is receiving a great person and will enjoy him very much… A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 20, 2010, 10:00 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be e-mailed to info@salseranddillard.com