John Kern

John E. Kern, 95, Edgar, died Monday, April 20, 2015 at Benedictine Living Community, Wausau. He was born October 24, 1919 in Chicago, son of the late John and Lena (Rodenburg) Kern. On January 19, 1978 he married Esther Yessa in Mapleton, Minn. She preceded him in death on October 2, 2002. Together they owned and operated Kern's Variety Store in Mapleton Minn. They were both very active in the community receiving the Sertoma Service to Mankind Award in 1999 and also served as Grand Marshall's for Mapleton Town and Country Days. John was a natural musician and could play the accordion by ear. He also enjoyed bowling and was on the Bob Starkey Curling Team in Mapleton. The Kerns retired to Edgar in 2002 to be closer to family. In his spare time he enjoyed wood working and making wooden piggy banks. Survivors include nieces Judy Russell, Cleveland, Minn., Shirlee(Myron) Jelle, Bricelyn, Minn., and nephew John(Anna Kathleen) Kern, Madison Lake, Minn., and several great nieces and nephews. Besides his parents and wife Esther, he was preceded in death by his brother Edward. A Memorial Service will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, May 2, 2015 at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Edgar. Rev. Gail Sowell will preside. Burial will be in Peace Lutheran Cemetery, town of Frankfort. Friends may call from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service at the Edgar funeral home. In lieu of flowers the family request memorials to Wausau Hospice or American Heart Foundation. Peterson /Kraemer Funeral Home, 327 N. 3rd Ave, Edgar is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com