Frank Kern

Faithful servant, loving husband and father, and the greatest Opa in the whole wide world, went home to be with the Lord. Following a brief bout with cancer, the Lord spared Frank the usual pain and suffering associated with cancer – passing from this earthly realm to his heavenly home peacefully on July 18, 2015. 

Born in Yugoslavia and immigrating to Austria and later the United States, Frank was drafted into the 82nd Airborne where he faithfully served God and his country. In 1957 Frank married the love of his life, his schatzi, Rose. 

After 58 wonderful years of marriage, Frank leaves behind a legacy of love for his wife Rose; children, Frank (Bonni) Kern, Heidi (Steve) Flack, Peter (Jennifer) Kern and Robert (Joy) Kern; grandchildren, Jenny Lauer, Dana Kern, Chelsea Kern, Tricia Ange, Alex Kern, Trista (Leon) Beachy, Felicia Kern, Frank Kern IV, Quyntin Kern, Katie Kern and the littlest twinkle in his eye, great granddaughter, Kinley Rose Ashton. He also leaves behind his beloved brother, Paul (Carol) Kern; and many brothers and sisters-in-law; nieces and nephews; friends and employees of Kern’s all of whom he cherished. 

Frank retired from Goodyear Tire and Rubber after 39 years of service, and along with his wife Rose, began Kern’s Greenhouse 36 years ago. Frank loved his family and loved his flowers. Tending to the flowers and spending time with his family gave him the greatest joy. His family meant everything to him. He was an active member of Nativity Parish and took care of the flowers at Nativity, donating his time and energy for the enjoyment of others. He was also a proud member of the Knights of Columbus. 

Frank never knew a stranger and really enjoyed working alongside his wife and family in the greenhouse, and especially loved greeting all the customers. He will be remembered for his friendly smile, kind word and quick wit, his favorite phrase being, “Do all that you can do and then a little more,” or his other famous saying, “mach shnell,” or “one day at a time, one step at a time.” Even in his last days, you could hear him say, “We are truly blessed”. 

Hebrews 11:10 “For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.” This is not goodbye but we will see you soon! We love you! 

Family and friends will be received Tuesday, from 4 to 8 p.m., at Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home, 547 Canton Road (Route 91), Akron, Ohio 44312, where a wake service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Funeral mass will be celebrated Wednesday, 11 a.m., at Nativity of the Lord Jesus Catholic Church, 2425 Myersville Rd., Akron, Ohio 44312, with Father David Halaiko presiding. Procession will originate at the funeral home on Wednesday at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery where Firestone VFW Post 3383 will conduct military rites. The family suggests memorials to the building fund at Nativity of the Lord Jesus Catholic Church.