The Honorable Richard F. Kern

The Honorable Richard F. Kern of Caro, age 87, passed away on Saturday, March 26, 2016 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was born May 4, 1928 in Caro, the son of the late Roland O. and Louise (Asall) Kern. Dick graduated from Caro High School in 1946 as valedictorian of his class, and went on to obtain his bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor in 1950. He obtained his juris doctor from Wayne State University in 1955 and was admitted to the bar in 1956. Dick practiced law with his father, Roland Kern, and created the firm Kern and Kern, a partnership that lasted from 1956 to 1969. On July 12, 1958, Dick was united in marriage with the former Martha Turner in May's Lick, Kentucky, and she survives him. He was elected District Judge in 1968, opening Tuscola County's first District Court the following year, and served as district judge for twenty-one years until his retirement in 1990. During his time on the bench, he established the Alcoholics Anonymous program for Tuscola County. Dick served as President of the Caro Jaycees, was a member of the Caro Exchange Club, was a board member of the Caro Area District Library, a trustee of the Tuscola County Community Foundation, president of the United Fund Board, and was a Distinguished Alumnus of Caro High School. He served in many capacities at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Caro, including elder, Sunday School superintendent, and a member of the building committee. Dick was a loving husband, father and grandfather, and was an avid nature lover who enjoyed golfing and bird watching. Dick is survived by his loving wife of fifty-seven years, Martha (Turner) Kern; two daughters and their spouses, Kristin Kern-Spiekerman and her husband, Rick, of Cincinnati, Ohio, Janine Jansson and her husband, Scott, of Albuquerque, New Mexico; grandchildren, Glen and Julia Spiekerman, Aaron and Andy Jansson; one sister, Patricia Elenbaas and her husband, Harold, of Otsego; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by two brothers, R. James Kern and his wife, Joanne, and Kenneth P. Kern. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 31, 2016 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Caro with Rev. Cameron Steele officiating. The family will be present to receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Caro. Visitation Information Date: Wednesday, March 30, 2016 Time: 4:00 pm End Time: 8:00 pm Ransford Collon Funeral Home Address: 989-673-2175 | Map The family will be present to receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Service Information Date: Thursday, March 31, 2016 Time: 11:00 am St. Paul Lutheran Church-Caro Address: 503 South State St. Caro, MI 48723 9896732175 | Map Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 31, 2016 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Caro with Rev. Cameron Steele officiating.