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Richard Kern Obituary
Richard Clark
Richard Clark Kern, beloved son, father, brother, and grandfather passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on September 28, 2016.
Rick was born on June 15, 1958, and was the second child of Ernest and Donna (Nichols) Kern, known as Ernie and Bunny. A 1976 graduate of Whitmer High School, Rick made many friends who had a long-lasting impact on his life. We love each of you as much as Rick did.
Rick also graduated from the University of Toledo, and he married Maureen Reineck. They have two children, Michael and Emily. His kids were a great source of pride in his life, and he boasted about them frequently. Maureen and Rick had a caring friendship that lasted until the end of his life. The Reineck family held a very special place in Rick's heart.
Everyone who knew Rick experienced his vivacious personality, his kind heart, and his generous hand. He never met a stranger and cared about others very much. Words cannot convey how Rick loved life, and he lived it just as he wanted. He had a very social nature, and whether you knew him for a day or decades, he treated people as friends. Rick's absence from our lives will leave a lasting void, but the memories we all share will forever comfort us.
Rick is survived by his son, Michael (Andrea White); daughter, Emily; mother, Donna (Bunny); brother, E. Scott (Julie); sisters, Susan Kern, Terri Kern, and Kimberly (John) Adams. He is also survived by his nieces, Erika (Colin) Halsey and their son Connor, Dana Kern, Amanda Kern, and Katie Jo Adams. Also, his best friend and loving girlfriend, Pam Hiemstra. His family wishes to express our sincere gratitude for the love and care Pam gave Rick over the years. Rick also loved our Devil's Lake family - The Bales, Sahajdacks, Wenners, and Robinsons. Rick was preceded in death by his father, Ernest. What a happy occasion that the two of them are reunited, and this fills our hearts with joy.
At the top of Rick's list of pride is his granddaughter Delanie Rose Kern, who is due on October 8th. She will have the best guardian angel ever.
The Kern family would like to thank the amazing medical team at St. Anne's Mercy who made his last days comfortable. A very special thank you to his day nurse Dawn.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
As published in The Blade
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Memories and Condolences
for Richard Kern
WILLIAM T COOK
September 24, 2021
Miss ya brother!!!
Dan B
April 20, 2017
The loss of a old friend is very sadening
Joan Turley
October 4, 2016
I knew Rick through Pam. He was always smiling and welcoming. I know I will miss seeing and talking with Rick whenever I see Pam. May God comfort everyone who is dear to Rick.
Patrick Flynn
October 4, 2016
We are very sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kern family.
The Flynn Family & Your Friends at Erie Steel Ltd.
Stu Feldman
October 2, 2016
Had the special blessing of growing up with Rick in Lincolnshire...when times were so good and care free. As a friend, he was a guy you just wanted on your team! Much prayers for the family and friends.
Beth Stutler
October 2, 2016
So very sorry to hear the news of Rick's passing. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Dave Measley
October 1, 2016
Kern family, I very saddened to learn of Ricks passing.
He was truly a giving individual with a infectious smile I will always remember.
Deepest sympathy
Dave Measley
Andrea (Geiger) Schuller
October 1, 2016
Kern Family -
My heart breaks for you. I've always admired and loved the closeness you all share and it's so evident still each day. I remember Rick always being so happy with that special smile and quick with a joke or comment; typically teasing one of us! Sending hugs and love to all of you and please know my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Heidi Hartman
September 30, 2016
To the whole Kern family, my heart breaks for you as you cope with the loss of your son, brother and father. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Rick was loved by many and will be dearly missed. He was a great guy and friend to so many people. He loved you all so much!!! Rest in peace my dear friend.
Dan Macdonald
September 30, 2016
I was very sorry to hear of Ricks passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his mom and family. Had not seen Rick for a while but great memories of times we all kind of hung together.
TIM Mikac
September 30, 2016
This is indeed sad news. One of the good guys...
Betsy Skiver
September 30, 2016
I remember Rick as a fellow member of Aquarius Athletic Club and all of us sitting around the bar after workouts drinking beers and eating pretzel rods. Many laughs and smiles. He was a very nice man. Rest in peace.
September 30, 2016
Always a smile on you face, it will be missed.
Steve Suzor
September 30, 2016
We'll miss you,Rick.I'm grateful for the privilege of knowing you for many years.
Susan and Arthur Jaworski
September 30, 2016
I have no idea that he had passed. I am sorry to hear this and he was a good man with good class! Sending healing prayers to the family and his family and Pam too! Godspeed Rick!
September 30, 2016
Thoughts and prayers go out to the whole family,he was a great guy and will be missed.
Maureen Martin
Amy Tibbits-Hughes
September 30, 2016
RIH Rick. Prayers to your family and friends for comfort and healing.
Terri Kern
September 29, 2016
Love you Dickie. Godspeed to you my dearest brother.
I will think about you every minute of every day for the rest of my life.
Your grateful sister - Terri Lynn
Vicki Goins
September 29, 2016
Rick will sadly be missed! I always remeber him with a smile and a kind word and something funny to say.More people should be like him. Prayers and love for you and your family! RIP my friend! Till we meet again. I'm going to Carmels tomorrow and have a margarita in your honor ! God Bless you!
Bob ( Mexican Bob) Cook
September 29, 2016
Rest in peace my friend, you became such a special friend and such a caring person that will so be missed, never a dull conversation and lots of genuine laughter, but the great memories will never die.
September 29, 2016
Kern Family, I loved Rick with all my heart. Kristi
William Cook - (Cookie)
September 29, 2016
Ricky u will be missed. U were kind enough when are family moved into the neighborhood to be my first friend. Thank you my friend. Your father Ernie or which I called him Babe Ruth taught me how to throw a baseball correctly. My thoughts and prayers are deep for the Kern family. Until we meet again my friend. Say hello to Babe Ruth (Ernie) for me. Peace be with you and your family now and forever.
Marci Swartz -Leahey
September 29, 2016
To the Kern family from the Kern compound as we have all known it. What a beautiful sentiment to a great man. It breaks my heart to see Rick has passed. He will be deeply missed. The strength of your family is amazing. It was an honor to have known Rick. As it is an honor to know the Kern Clan. Love to you all!!
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