Donald Eugene Kern

Donald Eugene Kern
Des Moines, Iowa

Donald Eugene Kern, 83, passed away on Wednesday June 4, 2025. He was born on May 14, 1942 in Des Moines to Carl and Lorene Kern.

Don had a hardscrabble childhood, growing up in a part of SE Des Moines that many considered “the wrong side of the tracks.” He learned how to get by with his wits, and by the age of 10 was finding ways to make money to help his mom put food on the table. As a young adult, he enjoyed working on cars, and even spent a few seasons racing at one of the local tracks. Professionally, he was a carpenter. After gaining a reputation throughout the region as a skilled housebuilder, he decided to join the union, understanding that it was the best way to build security for his family. Don was a proud member of UBC Local #106 for 50 years. Though he never completed the 9th grade, his work ethic, ingenuity, integrity, and natural leadership abilities allowed him to rise through the ranks, becoming the superintendent on many large construction projects throughout the area. He played a significant role in making Des Moines into the modern, bustling city it is today, and it is impossible to drive around town without seeing something that he had a hand in building. In retirement, he enjoyed spending time with family, watching his favorite shows, going to the casino with his wife, and taking long walks with his canine companion of many years, Jake. Seeing them out together, it was hard to tell who was enjoying it more. Like his beloved dog, Don was gentle, loyal and loving, but also steadfast and fierce, if necessary, in the defense of those he loved. He will be missed.

Don is survived by his wife, Sharon; son, Donnie.; grandchildren, Vada and Forest; brothers, Robert and Gary; sisters, Sandy and Rose, along with a host of extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Marcia; siblings, Betty Joan, Debra, Viola, and Mary.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., at Hamilton’s Altoona Funeral Home, 105 4th Street SW, Altoona, Iowa.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com

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