Robert Kern

Robert Kern of Longmont died December 26, 2012 at LifeCare, following a long battle with Parkinson's. He was 69. Bob was born on December 17, 1943 in Loveland to Harold Kern and Elsie Knodel Kern. Following his graduation at Loveland High, he chose to join the U.S. Navy, where he served on the USS Paul Revere. He was honorably discharged after being awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze stars and a Medal of Good Conduct. He married Bonnie Paulus Murphy on August 4, 1983 in Longmont. Following his commitment to his country, he wished to return to his roots and find a successful career. He joined the IBM Corporation and moved to Longmont, enjoying a 20-year career as a mechanical engineer. In retirement, he worked towards his passion with Intermountain Railway, as a quality assurance inspector. Bob's love for model trains was instantaneous upon entering his home. It has been shared that he was prepared to drill holes in the walls of his home to replicate tunnels. This provided him endless enjoyment with his grandchildren, where he had their total attention, involvement and input, in the “train room”. He was a constant presence at his grandchildren's sport and school events. His love for the Broncos and Rockies was visible and voracious. Surviving are his wife of Longmont; sons Wayne Kern of Aurora and Mike Murphy of Longmont; daughters Jalene Kern of Ft. Collins, Maureen (Scott) Houser of Wellington, Colorado; and Suzanne (Randy) Sterkel of Longmont; 9 grandchildren: Brandon Kern, Mikayla Kern, Nick Sterkel, Kara Sterkel, Brett Sterkel, Katie Houser, Maggie Houser, Jillian Murphy and Angelica Murphy. He is further survived by his sister Betty (Loyd) Minor of Loveland. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 2, 2013 at the Howe Mortuary Chapel, with David Bradshaw officiating. Interment will follow at Resthaven Cemetery, Ft. Collins. Contributions may be made to the Michael Fox Foundation, For Parkinson's Research. Please share your thoughts, condolences and memories with the family at www.howemortuary.com.