Jerry Kern

Jerry Kern, age 82, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on August 29, 1943. He married the love of his life, Dalene Kern, on February 19, 1968, and together they built a life centered on family, hard work, and love.

Jerry was a devoted husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Whether spending time with family, enjoying his hobbies, helping others, working on projects, sharing stories, or enjoying life's simple moments, Jerry left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

Jerry proudly served in the US Navy and retired from John Deere. He took great pride in providing for his family and teaching the values of hard work, honesty, and perseverance.

He is survived by his loving wife, Dalene Kern, his children, Adam Kern, Vanessa Mikesell her husband Jimmy, Sheris Takala, Lorina Kern, and Jason Kern; grandchildren, Skylar Robb and her husband Andrew, Mark Funderburk and his wife Kailey, Cody Mikesell and his wife Hailey, Seth Mikesell and Maddie Takala, Joshua Takala and his wife Sasha, Jaime Cathsus and her husband Adam, Gage Carroll, Makayla Carroll, and Gavin; great-grandchildren, Klaira Robb, Karter Robb, Pyper Robb, Dawsen Robb, Rosie Funderburk, Violet Funderburk, Raygan Mikesell and arriving next month Bella Mikesell, and Gage Takala, Addison Takala and Clay Takala; and his Brother Robert Reynolds and his wife Michelle and many other nieces and nephews, relatives and friends who will cherish his memory.

Jerry's legacy lives on through the family he loved so deeply and the countless lives he touched. He will be greatly missed and forever remembered.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, June 14, 2026 from 2-4 p.m. and Monday June 15, 2026 from 1-2 p.m. at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines, Iowa. A memorial service will be held following the visitation on Monday, June 15, 2026 at 2 p.m. also at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Central Iowa Beekeepers Association, Iowa State Pigeon Association, or Animal Rescue League of Iowa in loving memory of Jerry.

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