Dr. Donald Paul Kern

Dr. Donald Paul Kern, age 86, went to be with the Lord Sunday, July 24, 2022. A funeral service to honor Don’s life will be held on Thursday, July 28, 2022 at 12pm at Newcomb Presbyterian Church, Davenport, Iowa. Visitation will precede the funeral from 10am – 12pm. Memorials in Don’s name may be made to the Newcomb Presbyterian Church.

Don was born December 16, 1935 in Columbus, Ohio to Donald and Gladys (Hosler) Kern. He married his high school sweetheart, and love of his life, Nancy Wiedeman on September 15, 1957. Their lifelong romance began while students at Davenport High, and went on for 70 years showing all who knew them what it meant to be best friends. One of their favorite things to do was go for rides in the country. They enjoyed playing cards, raising award winning roses, and giving all their children and grandchildren lifelong memories, including Christmas Eve traditions.

Don was a loving and devoted man who treasured his family. He was always ready to share a joke and bring a chuckle and smile to the faces of those he loved. He was an encourager by nature, who loved to read, especially his favorite book, The Bible. He also enjoyed rock collecting, and often came home with new gems from the many family vacations “out west”. However, his favorite hobby was probably being an avid Hawks and Bears fan. He created many memories taking grandchildren to Kinnick Stadium, and Bowl Games across the country. We will all miss the group texts with football updates.

Not only did he leave a legacy of love, laughter and devotion to his family; the chiropractic profession was tremendously impacted by his leadership and service. Dr. Kern, graduated from Palmer in 1958 following in the footsteps of his father Donald O. Kern, and grandfather, Clyde G. Kern. Chiropractic is a family legacy, with five generations of doctors still serving the Quad City community.

During his 50 year tenure at The Fountainhead, he held positions in every department; including Director of Admissions, Dean of Clinics, Technique Professor, and twice, President of Palmer College of Chiropractic, Davenport. Creating the President’s Club to ensure the perpetuity of the college was one of his favorite accomplishments. He passed on his love of chiropractic to thousands through his dedication and love to the profession.

Though leadership and guidance in administrative positions came easy to him, his first love was teaching. Watching students walk across the stage and handing them their diploma held a special place in his heart. Though he retired in 2010, he went on to speak and encourage students and doctors at Lyceum (Homecoming), for years after. Giving to the profession, he loved, the community, and his treasured family was something he did effortlessly.

He is survived by his loving wife of almost 65 years, Nancy; three children: Greg (Erin) Kern of Davenport, Jeff (Candy) Kern, Manchester, NH, and Karen (Matt) Onken, Donahue, IA; 13 grandchildren: Zachary, Rachael, Joseph, Alena, Isabelle, Tristen, James, Jacob, Sarah, Robert, Benjamin, Elizabeth, Kristen, 25 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, and his sister Rosie Morse in Florida.

In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his brothers Ted and Jim Kern and a granddaughter, Amy Vore.