Edwin Charles Kern of Portage, OH, passed away in the late hours of Saturday, June 15, 2024 at the seasoned age of 92, he departed peacefully in Bridge Hospice Care Center, Wood County Hospital in Bowling Green, OH, with family providing company in his final moments.
Born to Charles, Jr., and Agnes (Schuster) Kern on October 20, 1931, in Putnam County, he spent his early life working his father’s farm and attending school. He graduated from Jackson High School in August of 1951. It is during this time that he met the love of his life, Elizabeth “Betty” (Neiling) Kern.
Edwin married Betty at the St. Louis Catholic Church in Custar, OH, on August 23, 1952. These high school sweethearts celebrated life together for nearly 72 years. In his parting, he leaves Betty and their legacy of love behind.
Post graduation, Edwin was drafted into the 8th Infantry Division’s 61st Regiment at Fort Carson, CO. He was selected to learn a special winter training maneuver, Exercise Hail Storm, at Camp Hale, CO, and he was regularly assigned to Company A of the Regiment. Edwin completed basic training at Camp Atterbury, IN, and retired as a corporal after two years. He thrived in the demanding military lifestyle, enjoying the opportunity to travel and take care of his growing family back home. After the military, Edwin worked at Libbey-Owens-Ford until retiring after 30 years. He then worked part-time at Century Marketing for eight years. While working both jobs, he also maintained a career as a farmer.
Edwin is survived by his wife, Betty, and their six children: Susan (Roger) Higley of Portage, OH; Michael Kern of California; Edwin “Chuck” (Sandy) Kern, II, of Michigan; Ruth Ann (Richard) Edwards of Illinois; Jerry Kern (Lisa) of Portage, OH; and Jean (Brian) Rogers of Bowling Green, OH. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren, and his only sister Mary Lou Evinger of Findlay, OH. He is preceded in death by his infant daughters, Sharon and Mary Anne; his parents, Charles Jr. and Agnes; and his brothers, Kenneth and Norman “Dale.”
Edwin was a talented craftsman who remodeled much of his family’s farmhouse and handmade many toys and trinkets for his grandchildren. There was not anything he could not fix, design, or build. He loved music, having briefly played the baritone euphonium and indulged in Betty’s piano playing. He also enjoyed the cinema, including musicals and Disney fairytales, and nearly always had a camera with him for photos. Edwin was a longtime member of Trawl and Tractor Garden Club and a local Card Club. Additionally, he was a member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Bowling Green, OH. Edwin was a beloved patriarch of his family and a good friend who always did his best to help and love others. He will always be remembered as a true storyteller who enchanted people with his tales of the army, cutting glass, and even surviving appendicitis. Those who loved him most are sure to celebrate his long life through fond memories of his mischievous chuckle and his love of ice cream.
A public viewing will be held on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 from 9 to 11 a.m. at St. Louis Catholic Church in Custar, OH. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday at St. Louis Catholic Church with Father Francis Mariadas officiating. Burial will follow at St. Louis Catholic Cemetery where members of the Deshler American Legion will accord military honors. The day will conclude with lunch at St. Louis Catholic Church at 12:30 p.m.Memorial contributions may be directed towards the St.Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Online condolences may be expressed at www.coldrencrates.com. SMITH-CRATES FUNERAL HOME, North Baltimore, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Lastly, the entire Edwin C. Kern family would like to thank Edwin’s caregivers, Alexis, Heather, Jackie, and Lisa for allowing him to enjoy his final months at home in comfort.
