Peter Jacob Kern

Peter J. Kern passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at his residence in Parma Heights, OH, just one week shy of his 98th birthday.

Peter was born in Cleveland, OH on July 26, 1927. He graduated from John Marshall High School in 1945 and was President of his class. He was drafted into the U.S. Army, stationed on Adak Island and served as a proud veteran of World War II. He attended Case Institute of Technology and graduated with a degree in Chemical Engineering in 1950, married his high school sweetheart, Yolanda M. Szabo, and had three children. The majority of his career was spent at Diamond Shamrock Corporation. He retired from Diamond Shamrock as General Manager of Engineering in 1986. Following retirement, he served as a consultant for MK Ferguson Co.

Although his career required him to travel the world and be away from his family, his pride and joy was being at home with his family. He was an avid philatelist, an endeavor which he began at age eight and continued well into his 90s. He was a member of the American Philatelic Society.

Peter is preceded in death by his loving wife, Yolanda M. Kern (nee Szabo). He is survived by his brother, Richard J. Kern (Dorothy), children, Richard A. Kern, Deborah K. McNulty (Ennis), Linda K. Kern, and his grandchildren, Andrew P. Kern and Annaliese M. Kern-Gorsuch (Craig).

A funeral service will be held at 10am on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at Divinity Lutheran Church, 11877 Blossom Ave., Parma Heights, OH 44130 with cremation by Busch Crematory. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be forwarded to Divinity Lutheran Church.

440-842-7800 www.buschcares.com