Ruth E. Kern

Ruth E. Kern, 96, of Kewaskum, WI, formerly of the town of Wayne, passed away on November 7, 2024.

Born on February 15, 1928, in Theresa, she was the cherished daughter of the late Richard and Hildegard (née Gundrum) Bodden.  After graduation from business college, Ruth worked as a secretary for George Hess at the West Bend Company.  On June 15, 1948, Ruth joined her life with Orville Kern in marriage. Together, they cultivated their land and nurtured their family. Orville preceded Ruth in death on April 25, 2005.

Ruth was a devoted mother who encouraged her children to work hard, pursue their dreams and be kind and generous citizens.  She loved her children and with Orville they were staples at games, plays, and performances to support their children.  She loved being a grandmother and was always happy to spend time with her grandchildren.  They all learned to play cards as soon as they were old enough to hold Uno cards.

In addition to her full-time job as the mother to five children and an active participant in the family farm, Ruth made time to contribute to many community organizations and projects. She volunteered at the Samaritan the local AFS chapter and the Red Cross.  She was a long-time member and officer of the Wayne Willing Weavers Homemaker club, and a teacher of basket weaving and metal enameling for the Wayne Crusaders 4-H Club.  She was also active in the St. Killian Catholic Parish, where she was member of the Women’s Sodality, a church officer and helped develop a cemetery map.

Those Ruth leaves behind to cherish her memory include four children, Bonnie Kern, Peggy (Tim) Orgeman, Jack (Debbie) Kern and Tom (Mo) Kern; 13 grandchildren, Melanie, Kim, Jackie, Sammi, Lindsey, Nikki, Mandi, Joe, Jim, Cannon, Meg, Kelly and Kennedy; 12 great-grandchildren; her AFS daughter Han Doorenbosch; long-time family friend Char Heider and other relatives and friends.

In addition to her husband and parents, Ruth was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Judy; a son and daughter-in-law Jim and Marci Kern and a son-in-law, Jim Maw.

The family would like to thank the staff at Kettle Moraine Gardens and Preceptor Hospice for the wonderful care they provided to Ruth.

VISITATION: Ruth’s family will greet relatives and friends at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 331 Main Street, in Kewaskum on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.

SERVICE: A Mass of Christian Burial for Ruth will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Rev. Patrick Magnor will officiate and burial will follow at St. Kilian Catholic Church Cemetery in St. Kilian.

The Myrhum – Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Ruth’s arrangements. Additional information and guest book may be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.