Joe Edward Kerns

Joe E. Kerns, age 86 of Rock Rapids, IA died November 11, 2006 at the Merrill Pioneer Community Hospital in Rock Rapids. A Memorial Mass will be 10:30 AM, Wednesday, November 15th at the Holy Name Catholic Church in Rock Rapids, IA, with Father Jeff Schleisman as Celebrant. Visitation will be Tuesday, November 14th from 3 " 8 PM, with the family present from 6 " 8 PM at the Roste Funeral Home of Rock Rapids. Also there will be a 7 PM Vigil service Tuesday evening at the funeral home. Joseph Edward Kerns was born on January 31, 1920 on the family farm south east of Rock Rapids, Iowa, the son of John and Louise (Riter) Kerns. He grew up on the family farm attending country school and graduated from Rock Rapids High School. After school he helped his family with the farming. On August 31, 1941 Joe was united in marriage to Lorraine Babe Horr in Wayne, NE. Shortly after their marriage Joe entered the U.S. Navy serving three years before receiving his honorable discharge. He returned to Rock Rapids and went into business with John Manly and Harry Medberry, starting M & M Electric. Later Joe would assume full ownership and the name changed to Kerns Electric. After Joe retired from Kerns Electric he worked part-time for Jansma Cattle Company. He was a member of the Holy Name Catholic Church of Rock Rapids and the Rex Strait Post No. 103 American Legion and Van Anne-Fields Post No. 6960 VFW of Rock Rapids. He enjoyed fishing, bowling, golfing, playing cards and reading. Joe was blessed with the experience of playing on Championship High School Basketball and Football teams. His family will best remember Joes great sense of humor, his enthusiasm for sport and his love of visiting visit with family and friends over coffee. In 2003 Joe entered the Lyon Manor Nursing & Rehab Center as a result of his failing health. This past Saturday, November 11th Joseph E. Kerns died at the Merrill Pioneer Community Hospital in Rock Rapids, IA at the age of 86. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Lorraine Babe Kerns of Rock Rapids, IA; a son, Doug (and Karen) Kerns of Iowa City, IA; two daughters, Pam (and Jim) Shaner of Naperville, IL and Kandi (and Randy) Koll of Rock Rapids, IA; six grandsons; two sisters, Marge Blevins of Cedar Rapids, IA and Katherine Norris of Duluth, MN; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Ruth Kerns; and a brother, Robert Kerns.