David Kern

David William Kern was born on September 3, 1942 in Wadena, Minnesota.  His parents were the late George Philip and Ella Marie (Meller) Kern. David graduated from the Wadena High School with the class of 1960.  He was then employed with Kern & Tabery as a heavy equipment operator. 

On November 28, 1964 David was united in marriage to Arlis Jean Zentner at St. Hubert Catholic Church in Bluegrass, rural Sebeka, Minnesota.  Their marriage was blessed with five children: Melissa, Brian, Rebecca, Jodi and Stephany.  Together David and Arlis raised their family and farmed in Wing River Township where David was on the township board and fire warden.  In 1991 David sold his dairy cattle and built a new home. He continued to crop farm and was also employed with Drywall Supply as a truck driver and forklift operator.   

David was a life long member of St. Hubert Catholic Church.  His favorite hobby was working as he took great pride in any task at hand.  He also enjoyed welding, woodworking, deer hunting and playing cards.

On September 12, 2019 David passed away peacefully at his home at 77 years of age.  He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.  Preceding David in death were his parents, George and Ella; mother- and father-in-law, Hemmie and Lester Zentner; granddaughter, Baby Angel Becker; and grandson, Daniel Duncombe.

David is survived by his wife, Arlis Kern of Wadena; children: Melissa (Dan) Lawson of Wadena; Brian (Janine) Kern of Wadena; Rebecca (Troy) Wangsness of Wadena; Jodi (Randy) Becker of Wadena; and Stephany (Dan) Duncombe of Becker; 13 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; brother, George (Irene) Kern of Sebeka; sisters: Doris (Dave) Budig of Yankton, South Dakota and Sharon (Tom) Schwartz of Hutchinson; many other relatives and a host of friends.

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