July 22, 1927 – September 12, 2021
William (Bill) F. Kern, 94, of Bedford, passed away on Monday, September 12, 2021, at his
residence.
Bill was born July 22, 1927, in Oolitic, IN, to William E Kern and Margaret H (Spinks) Kern. He married Beatrice Rawnsley in 1957 and they were married for 55 years. Bill attended Oolitic High School where he graduated early in order to serve his country in World War 2. Upon returning from the Pacific Theater, Bill attended Purdue University where he obtained an advanced degree in economics before embarking on a career at Citizens National Bank for more than 30
years.
Bill loved fishing for anything that swam, fine cigars, Purdue Basketball, telling his grandchildren stories, and cattle farming which he pursued into his 80s. He was a member of Jaycees, Rotary Club, the American Legion, and Englewood Baptist Church.
Surviving to cherish Bill’s memory are his children Scott (Susanne) Kern of Bloomington, James (Rhonda) Kern of Bristow, Va; sister Jolene (Dave) Fruit of Springville and grandchildren, Nathan Kern of Bloomington, Adam Kern of South Bend, Alex Kern, and Abigail Kern both of Bristow, Va
Preceding Bill in death was his wife, Bea Kern; parents, William and Helen Kern; and sibling, Eva (Billie) Simpson.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 17, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. at Cresthaven Funeral Home, with Brother David Ferry, officiating. Entombment will follow in Cresthaven Memory Gardens. Visitation will be on Thursday, September 16, 2021, at Cresthaven Funeral Home from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s memory to the Bedford Rotary Club.
Cresthaven Funeral Home is entrusted with his care.
