William Alfred Kern

Widely admired physician and surgeon, William A. Kern, M.D, F.A.C.S. died May 24 at his home in Hemet, CA. Elena, his wife of 24 years, loving friend and caregiver, Jessica Martinez, and his beloved cat, Piper, were at his side.

The cause of death was complications from Parkinson's Disease.

Dr. Kern was a graduate of Penn State University, and received his doctorate degree from Temple Medical School, Philadelphia, PA.

Dr. Kern was a proud member of the U.S. Army, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He served in Germany with the 11th Armored Calvary Regiment, and in Vietnam with the 24th Evacuation Hospital as the Chief Ophthalmic Adviser to the U.S. Surgeon General: 1967-68. He was awarded The Bronze Star during Tet Offensive.

He was a founding partner of Hemet Eye Medical and Surgical Center in Hemet, CA. along with the late C. Peter Stiny, M.D. and Jerry Gilbert, M.D. Specializing in glaucoma and cataracts, Dr. Kern was a pioneer in intraocular lens transplant cataract surgery, and was a staff member of Hemet Hospital for over 42 years. He was also Assistant Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology, Loma Linda School of Medicine and University of Southern California School of Medicine.

Bill was an Eagle Scout, troop leader, member of the National Board of Boy Scouts of America, and avid collector of Boy Scout memorabilia. Bill was also a 32nd Degree Master Mason and life member of Al Malaikah, Lodge 338, Hemet, CA for over 50 years.

Bill was the son of the late Bert. B. Kern and Elda McCormick.

He is survived by his wife, Elena, former wife, Valeria Kern, and three children, William A. Kern, Jr. (Eileen), Victoria Black (Lee), Howard E. Kern (Monica), sister, Nancy Bowser (David) and eight grandchildren: Brittney, Veronica, Felicity, William A. Kern, III ( BT ), Brandon, Benjamin, Melissa and Emily.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.miller-jones.com

in lieu of flowers please make a donation to the

Michael J. Fox Parkinson foundation

https://www.michaeljfox.org/donate

or the diamond valley arts council https://www.thedvac.org/index.php/programs

or Living Waters Hospice 6030 Riverside Dr #F, Chino CA 91710