Charles L. Kerns

Charles L. Kerns, 78, of Oelwein, Iowa died on Saturday morning, July 13, 2013 at Mercy Hospital of Franciscan Sisters in Oelwein, Iowa

Mass of the Resurrection: 10:30 A.M. on Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oelwein, Iowa; Officiating: Rev. Paul C. McManus and Deacon Jim Patera;
Visitation: from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Tuesday at the Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home in Oelwein where there will be a Parish Scripture Service at 7:00 P.M.; Interment: Woodlawn Cemetery at Oelwein, Iowa with military graveside rites by Ross Reid American Legion Post #9 Honor Guard of Oelwein.

A Memorial Fund has been established in his name.

Online Obituary at: www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com

Charles Lewis Kerns was born on August 25, 1934 in rural Fairbank, Iowa, the son of Floyd William and Iva Minnie (Greening) Kerns. Chuck attended country school and Immaculate Conception Catholic school in Fairbank. He married Diann Marie Huinker on June 6, 1959 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oelwein. Chuck was an Army veteran during the Korean War serving as a company carpenter building barracks. He was a lifelong farmer west of Oelwein loving the land and the farm. Chuck was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Oelwein Council 1168, 4th Degree Knights of Columbus Assembly 1853, ASCS committee man, past president of the Littleton Hook and Liner for their smelt fry, board member of the Oran Co-Op Creamery and was on the Oran Telephone board. Chuck was a former member of the Oran Fire Department. He loved people and being around them. On the farm there was no doubt that he was the boss all the time. Chuck enjoyed spending time with his family whether working or playing, hunting, fishing, gardening and gambling.

Chuck is survived by his wife of 54 years--Diann Kerns of Oelwein, Iowa
5 Children--Jay (Laurie) Kerns of Fairbank, Iowa
Jere (Shae) Kerns of Oelwein, Iowa
Jeannie (Patrick) Lincoln of Maynard, Iowa
Jon (Barbara) Kerns of Oelwein, Iowa
Janelle (Mike) Murray of Buffalo Center, Iowa
Grandchildren--Nicole (Robert) Leistikow, Adam (Kim) Kerns, Corey Kerns, Ryan Kerns, Eric (fiance-Kelsey Ford) Kerns, Kayla Lincoln, Elizabeth Lincoln, Michael Lincoln, Justin Murray, Rebecca Murray and Tyler Murray
Great Grandchildren--Adalyn and Evrett Leistikow
2 Brothers--Thomas (Joan) Kerns of Edgewood, Iowa and Roger (Lucille) Kerns Sr. of Fairbank, Iowa
4 Sisters--Geraldine Day of Little Rock, Arkansas; Jeanette Stanek of Hazleton, Iowa; Sierra (Dennis) Harkins of Phoenix, Arizona and Iva Mae "Butch" Meyer of Oelwein, Iowa

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister (Genevieve Lubbs); Brothers-in-law (Larry Lubbs, Marvin Stanek, Elmer Day and Jerry Meyer)2 nieces and 1 nephew).