Ralph E. Kern

Ralph Erwin KernCARY, NC: Mr. Kern passed away on February 6, 2010. He was born October 26, 1928 in Saginaw, MI. He was the son of Gottlieb and Rosalie Kern, brother of Alma and Reinhardt. He was predeceased by Barbara Zehnder Kern, his wife of 49 years in 2001.Ralph will always be held in the hearts of his family: Cindy Braddy (Pat) of Cramerton, NC, Kevin Kern of Boomer, NC, Kerri Nichols (Gary) of N. Charleston, SC, and Mike Kern of Cary, NC; grandchildren, Dr. Whit Braddy of Greenville, NC, Leslie Braddy of Durham, NC, Joshua Kassab of Mt. Laurel, NJ, Crystal Kern of Sanford, NC, Zackary Kern of Wilkesboro, NC, and Renee Huff of Dublin, VA; and 5 great grandchildren.Mr. Kern moved his family from Saginaw, MI to Cary, NC in 1967. He was a part of the start-up team for a new headquarters in Apex, NC for Lufkin Rule Company, now Cooper Tools. He retired after 34 years of service as a cost accountant. He enjoyed many years of friendship with the Lufkin team which continued throughout his life.Ralph was an avid sportsman. He loved hunting for pheasant and duck for Thanksgiving dinner; fishing at Houghton Lake, MI for Northern Pike, walleye, and perch and at Bass Lake in Holly Springs, NC for bass. He played golf for many years and organized outings for the Lufkin Rule team. He enjoyed coaching softball and football for his children. In his later years, he enjoyed visits to the gym and never met a stranger.A funeral service will be held 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home in Cary. Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at the funeral home.In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to National Kidney Foundation of NC, 5950 Fairview Road, Suite 550, Charlotte, NC 28210.Condolences may be sent through the guest book at www.brownwynne.com.