Mr. Kern was a coal miner and retired from Peabody Coal Co, after 44 years of services. He was a United States Army veteran.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Joann D. Kern, nee Eller, whom he married on September 7, 1957, and who died on November 29, 2018; and his parents, Melvin and Lena, nee Ohlendorf, Kern.
Surviving are his children, Nanette (Denny) Rieso, Russell Jr. (Julie) Kern, Charlotte (Thomas) McDonald, Dana (Ramon) Matchett, and Donna (Rick) Kern; nine grandchildren, Amy (Mark) Tidwell, Laura (Eric) Beatty, Thomas (Rachael) McDonald, Maggie Matchett, Samantha Matchett, Jamie (Corey) Kern, Jordan Kern, Joey Kern, and Sara Kern; four great-grandchildren; Madelyn & Audrey McDonald, Emma Beatty, and Harper McDonald.
Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 13, 2022, and from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, May 14, 2022, at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Freeburg, IL.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 14, 2022, at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Freeburg, IL.
Burial with military honors at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL.