Obituary: Francis Joseph Kern

January 31, 1935~August 26, 2021

Francis “Fritz” Joseph Kern, 86, of Sturgeon Bay, died on Thursday morning, August 26, 2021 at Cardinal Ridge Residential Care.

He was born January 31, 1935 in Sturgeon Bay, son of the late Frank Sale and Eleanor Ann (Marik) Kern. Fritz graduated from Sturgeon Bay High School with the Class of 1954. He worked for Sturgeon Bay Utilities as an electrical lineman and then in the metering department. On February 4, 1956, Fritz and Barbara Marie Kimber were united in marriage at St. Joseph Church, where the two remained lifelong members. Fritz loved to go fishing, camping, and spending time with his family.

He will be missed by his wife of 65 years, Barbara; children, Leslie (Ken) Thesing of La Crosse, Lori (Gary) Drexler of Sturgeon Bay, and Richard (Dawn) Shakopee, Minnesota; grandchildren, Brandon (Lara), Bryce, and Brenson Cox, Kyle (Yoko) and Alia Drexler, and Harrison and Lindsey Kern; great-grandchildren, Breighlynn, Briley, and Brayton Cox and Ena Drexler; sister-in-law, Beryl (Milton) Magle; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Eleanor Kern; siblings, Raymond (Virginia) Kern, Regina (Harvey) Junion, Florence (Joe) McCann, and Mary (Lawrence) Bongle; parents-in-law, Otis and Helen Kimber; and sister-in-law, Beatrice (Charles) Barnstein.

Fritz was laid to rest during a private ceremony at St. Joseph Mausoleum in Sturgeon Bay.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Cardinal Ridge Residential Care and Unity Hospice for their wonderful care and compassion shown to Fritz and the entire family.

Huehns Funeral Home is assisting the family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Fritz may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.