Paul F Kern

Paul F Kern, 91, of Springfield, passed away on December 3, 2011 at Lewis Memorial Christian Village. He was born June 9, 1920 in Springfield, the son of Murray and Alice Kern. His family had deep roots in the local soil, farming in the area for three generations. Paul grew up on the family farm in the Pleasant Plains area through 1941, helping his family preserve their farm through The Great Depression, they were blessed by god to grow crops and raise livestock to provide food to many others in need during this time. This productive and generous trait became a part of Paul for the remainder of his life. Paul enjoyed close life-long family relationships with his older brother Loren, his sister Harriet, and a large extended family. After leaving the family farm in the 1960’s Paul went on to work for Farm Supply in Springfield. He continued to enjoy gardening until 89 years of age, he was especially happy to share his produce with wonderful neighbors and friends. Paul faithfully served his country during WWII from February, 1942- November 29, 1945. He was awarded a Good Conduct Medal, and two Bronze Stars for campaigns in New Guinea and Luzon, Philippines. Two years later, on November 29, 1947, he married Jennie Ballard here in Springfield, beginning their 63 years together. During this time they were blessed by their church and the Beau Knot class. Paul and Jennie were blessed with five children ; James, Tom, Ken, John, and Alice. From 1957-2010, Paul and Jennie enjoyed living on their 5-acre farm , surrounded by the greatest neighbors, until they moved to Concordia Village in late 2010. We are all so thankful for the full lives Paul and Jennie were given by God, and we are all so grateful for all their loving relatives and friends and all their support, especially over this past year. Left to share in their memory are, their son, Jim (Nadine) Kern, and their children; Kevin, Corey, and Katie, all of Lincoln, NE; son John Kern of NY, daughter, Alice Kern of Springfield, and son Tom (Jan) Kern and their daughter Sarah all of CA, as well as grandchildren, Danny (Marci) Kern and their daughter Juliette of OR. Also surviving are: nieces, Kathy and Chris Council, and Jennie Van Schyndel, nephew Steve Council, and sister-in-law Shirley Ballard. Also surviving are: nieces, Kathy and Chris Council, and Jennie Van Schyndel, Cindy Lammert, nephew Steve Council, and sister-in-law Shirley Ballard.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday December 10, 2011 at 11 a.m. at Bisch Funeral Home 2931 S Koke Mill Rd Springfield 62711, with Rev. Charlie Duggins officiating. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Farmington Cemetery where military rites will be accorded. In lieu of flowers memorials may be left in Paul’s name to West Side Christian Church of Springfield, or Christian Encounter Ministries of Grass Valley CA. Online condolences to the family at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com