Victor Kern Sr.

Victor Joseph Kern, 88 years young, was born in Wadena, MN on November 13, 1932 to Anton and Mathilda (Vorderbruggen) Kern and went to be with Jesus on March 01, 2021.

Victor was united in marriage to Joan Katherine (Marden) Kern on June 26, 1954 in Staples, MN. He was a dedicated husband and father, mentor and teacher to his 14 children. Victor was energetic and life loving as a man half his age. He was our leader, our rock, and our compass.

Victor's family and friends will remember him as a man of God with a life fully dedicated to Jesus Christ. He never lost sight of his goal for the truth no matter what the cost or what it cost him. A man with a compassion for others and his big inviting smile, he visited family, friends, and strangers when they needed it the most sharing his love for Jesus. He was everything a father should be, and so much more. Victor created an atmosphere of honor and served the lost, broken and needy with humility, laying his life down in tender surrender before the Lord.

In his earlier years, Victor worked for Woolgrowers, was a manager at the S & L store in Wadena, an expert carpenter, and semi car hauler for many years. He taught carpentry to many of his children.

Victor loved dark-house ice fishing, bowling, and deer hunting. An active political conservative, Victor was involved in many areas of the political arena including writing numerous weekly editorials in the Wadena Pioneer Journal and Chairman of the Wadena County Young Republicans. He was a man with a hunger for God and a deep love for his country.

After graduating from Wadena High School in 1951, Victor joined the United States Coast Guard and served his country until honorably discharged medical condition.

Victor was preceded in death by his wife, Joan (Marden) in 2010, son John in 1966, parents Anton and Mathilda, siblings Kenneth, Perry, Jeanette Dickey, and Roger, sons-in law Calvin Anderson, Tim Kenyon (Jr), and Troy Bowles. He is survived by his 13 children Victoria (James) Thompson, Annette Manzano, Paulette Anderson, Yvonne (Lowell) Stewart, Joseph (Linda) Kern, Anthony (Jenny) Kern, Douglas (Sue) Kern, Melissa Kenyon, Christina (Thomas) Kenyon, Victor M Kern JR, Janelle Bowles, Margaret (Russell) Trout, Paul Kern, siblings Marilyn Swanson, Elroy Kern and 110 grandchildren.

Victor will be greatly missed by us all and we take comfort knowing he is in Paradise.

Please visit our Facebook page at 1:00 p.m. tomorrow to view a livestream of Victor's Funeral Service at Karvonen Funeral Home in Wadena, Minnesota.

www.facebook.com/karvonenfh

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