Kern, John

John Kern, age 81, of Athens, passed away on Sunday, February 17, 2013 at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce; three daughters, Karen Squires of Tallula, Sharon (Jerry) Judd of Athens and Carolyn Kern of Springfield; grandchildren, Jennifer Judd (Theado Bonds), Kara (Zach) Alderman, Katie (Jason) Bruning, Sarah Squires, Kristin (Jeff) Leiker, and Ryan Squires; great-grandchildren, Matthew, Jacob, Lillian, Ellie, Molly, Adalyn, and Nicholas; one brother, Joe Kern of Cantrall; and several nieces, newphews and cousins.

John is preceded in death by his siblings, William, Mckernen, Merle, Donald, Lyle, Earl, Roy, Orville, Ruth, Jessie, and Loretta. He was born July 15, 1931 in Springfield, Illinois, the son of Bert and Anna Schumacker Kern.

He married Joyce Cantrall on September 12, 1953 at the Athens United Methodist Church.

John was a farmer all his life in the Athens area. He was a Burrus Seed Corn dealer for many years. John was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan. Most importantly though he will be remembered for how much he loved his family and how proud he was of all of them.

He graduated from Williamsville High School in 1951.

Visitation will be held at Mott & Henning Funeral Home on Wednesday, February 20, 2013 from 4:00 until 7:00 PM. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 21, 2013 at 10:00 AM at the funeral home.

Rev. Ken Gennicks will be officiating.

Burial will be held at Joel Hall Cemetery of Athens.

Memorials can be made to United Cerebral Palsay of Land of Lincoln or Make a Wish Foundation.