Thomas A. Kern

Thomas A. Kern, 76 of Lorain, formerly of Oberlin, Geneva, IL and Bay Village, passed away, Wednesday, October 19, 2016 at his home. Thomas was born September 1, 1940 to the late Kenneth E. and Dorothy J. (nee VanAusdale) Kern in Oberlin. Thomas was a 1959 graduate of Oberlin High School. He served six years in the Ohio Air National Guard being honorably discharged as Airman First Class in 1968. Thomas began his working career as the manager of the Oberlin Sport and Bike Shop and then worked for The Gasflux Company, supplier of brazing material, in sales, traveling nationally and internationally. He retired after 32 years of service as Vice President of sales. He belonged to several industry related organizations including as a consultant for the American Welding Society. Thomas was active with many civic and community organizations and served as president of most. Among these organizations were the Oberlin 20-30 Club, Boy Scout Leader, University Club, Lorain, the Bay Village Band Boosters. He was also a AAA Corporate Member and a founding member of Geneva Youth Football. Tom was described by his family as someone who could build or fix anything and often put those talent to work around their home and for children and grandchildren's school projects. He used his talent to build four lakeside decks at their home and renovate two cottages and one hotel at Lakeside, OH where he served as part of the Business Group for 12 years. It was said by his family that Tom lived for the summers and the lure of the lake was always calling to him. He owned a boat from the age of 16 starting with a 14 footer and working his way up to his most recent, a 42 foot Chis Craft. His wife Jean described one of their favorite trips taking the boat down the Intercostal Waterway and through New York Harbor one week after 9/11/01. Tom earned his master captains License from the U.S. Coast Guard and captained for the Lorain Port Authority. Besides renovation and boating Tom had many hobbies which included waterskiing, downhill skiing, lake-glass jewelry making, traveling internationally, golf and tending to his yard. Tom was also known for throwing an extravagant Fourth of July party. After retirement he took up the hobby of painting with acrylics, he would paint the family Christmas card each year. Thomas is survived by the love of his life and wife for 51 years, Sandra Jean (nee Szeliga). He is also survived by two sons Kristopher (Jennifer) and Scott, as well as three grandchildren Brady, Kennedy and Kaden. Other survivors include siblings June Bailey (Chuck), Bob Kern (Hazel) Jim Kern (Joan Roolf) and Barbara Habecker (Kinzer). Friends may call at the Busch Funeral Home, 163 Avon-Belden, Avon Lake from 4:00-8:00pm Friday and Saturday from 11:00am until a prayer service at the funeral home at 12:15pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Joseph Church 32929 Lake Rd., Avon Lake at 1:00pm Saturday. Interment will be private. Memorial contributions may be forwarded to Hospice of the Western Reserve 17876 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland 44110. www.buschcares.com 440-933-3202