Raymond Theodore Kern

Raymond Theodore Kern (Ray)

Born December 9, 1933 to Rudy and Frieda Kern, Ray passed away on October 2, 2010. Ray was 77 years old.

Ray is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Janet Kern. They were high school sweethearts who married on November 14, 1953 and remained best friends throughout their marriage. One of Ray's greatest joys was working side-by-side with Jan and his children for more than 30 years in his office supply business. He is also survived by his four children: Mark Kern; Sandra (Steve) Babbitt; Marcia (Joe) Steltz; and Gary (LuAnn) Kern. Ray had eight wonderful grandchildren: Cameron (Vaughn) and Natasha Babbitt, Cassandra and Shianne Lynch, Michael and Paige Steltz and Bella and Sophie Kern. Ray is survived by his mother, Frieda Schultz, his brother Otto (Dottie) Kern and many other brothers and sister-in-laws. Ray's second best friend after Janet was his faithful yellow Labrador, Scooter.

Ray was always proud to be a member of the Lansing Eastern High School 1951 State Champion Wrestling team. He was an Army veteran of the Korean Conflict having served with the 18th Combat Engineers. Ray served as a member of the Eaton Rapids Township Planning Commission. He loved to garden, take walks in the woods, spend time with his grandchildren and share his sense of humor with those around him.

Ray valued family more than anything else in this world. He will be deeply, deeply missed and remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, son and friend.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Capital Area Humane Society, 7095 West Grand River, Lansing, MI 48917 or to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 549 East Mt. Hope, Lansing, MI 48910

A memorial service will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church on Wednesday, October 6, 2010 at 12:00 pm. Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to service.