Obituary of Leo Kern

Leo George Kern Jr. was born in Highland Park, Michigan on January 19, 1923. He was the son of the late Leo George Sr. and Celia (Erlacher) Kern. Leo was a graduate of St. Benedicts High School in Highland Park. He served his country honorably during World War II in the United States Army, and married the love of his life Stella Rak on April 12, 1947 at St. Augustine Church in Detroit. Leo began his career at Detroit Edison as a meter reader, working more than twenty-eight years before retiring from the report office. Leo was an avid sports fan. He enjoyed college football and was a die-hard fan of the University of Michigan and the Detroit Lions. In the 1960's, Leo worked as an usher at Tiger Stadium and for Cobo Hall. He was a member of Christ the Good Shepherd in Lincoln Park where he also served as an usher. Leo was a quiet man and often kept to himself, but when he spoke others listened. Leo cherished his family and providing for them. He shared his love of watching airplanes and trains with his grandchildren. Leo enjoyed playing dominoes and solitaire, and doing puzzles. He enjoyed taking day trips in Michigan Leo age 90 of Newport passed away on Tuesday, August 27, 2013. In addition to his parents his passing was preceded by wife, Stella, November 19, 2000; an infant son; brothers-in-law: "Chub" George and Pete Crouse; one niece; and one nephew. To cherish his memory he leaves daughters: Laverne Wilson and Debbie (Ross) Mayrand both of Newport; siblings: Rita George of Clarkston, Brother Albert Kern CSC of South Bend, Indiana, and Rosemary Crouse of Royal Oak; grandchildren: Jeanette Cain, Tanya Wilson, Heather Wilson, Johnny Cain, Deanna (Ken) Schulte, Lisa Wilson, and Tyrone Wilson; and great grandchildren: Taria, Leo, Kenneth, Derek, Ebony, and Paedyn; step grandsons: Andy, Dana, and Gil Mayrand and their families; eight nieces and nephews; and many great nieces and nephews. Friends may gather from 2:00-8:00pm, Thursday, August 29, 2013 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe (734) 384-5185 where the Rosary will be recited at 7:00pm. He will lie in state from 9:00am until the Mass of the Resurrection at 10:00am, Friday, August 30, 2013 at St. Charles Catholic Church, 8109 Swan Creek Road. Procession will follow to Our Lady of Hope Cemetery where military honors will be provided. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or send a floral tribute by visiting www.merklefs.com; Online Tributes page.