Gerald was the beloved husband of H. Eileen Kern for 67 years, and loving father to the late Michael Allen Kern, Nancy Feeley and her husband Michael Feeley, Diana McGinnity and her husband Mark McGinnity, Susan Lauer and her husband Christian Lauer. He was the cherished grandfather of Michael, Andrew and Daniel Feeley, Meghan, Rachel and Maria McGinnity, and Dakota Lauer and dear brother of the late Warren C. Kern and Guy A. Kern. Gerald is remembered by his family for the wonderful example he set through his unwavering faith and trust in God.
He dedicated four years to the US Navy and took great pride in serving his country. Working as a radio operator prepared him for his interest in HAM radios later in life. Gerald also worked as an engineering writer for Westinghouse and retired at age 55. Learning was an important lifelong endeavor for Gerald, who enrolled in additional Spanish classes after retirement. He also enjoyed connecting with students as a substitute for local high schools. For decades, he served as deacon and elder at Valley Presbyterian Church, blessing the congregation with his gifts of service. Gerald’s love for the Lord shaped his care for the people around him. He demonstrated a Christlike selfless love which led him to put others before himself. He had the ability to strike up a conversation with anyone and make them feel seen and heard. In his retirement, he cheerfully assisted his wife Eileen in caring for their grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, nature, traveling, camping, and swimming.
The family will receive friends in the Burgee-Henss-Seitz Funeral Home, 3631 Falls Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21211 on Friday February 27, 2026 from 4 to 8 PM. Mr. Kern’s life will be celebrated at Roland Run Presbyterian Church, 2200 Joppa Road, Lutherville, MD 21093 on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 10:00 am.
The Interment will take place at Meadowridge Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy can be directed in Gerald’s memory to American Cancer Society, ATTN. Leukemia research, P.O. Box 6704 Hagerstown, MD 21741, the Lupus Foundation of America, 2121 K Street, NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20037-1830 or The American Stroke Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692.
