Kenneth P. Kern

Kenneth P. Kern, 96, Topeka, passed away Oct. 23, 2008 at Midland Hospice House. Ken was born Sept. 23, 1912 in Dwight, KS, the son of Clinton and Nellie Knudsen Kern. Ken was former Finance Commissioner for Topeka during and after the ‘66 tornado and was a powerful force in the rebuilding and recovery of our city. His service during WW2 was at Fort Riley where he served in the Quartermaster Department and helped procure all supplies, even horses for the Cavalry, for the Post during the War and was especially proud of this service to his country. He continued to be active in the Democratic Party for many years. He had an accounting and tax office in Topeka. He was a dance instructor in Topeka at one time in his life. Ken believed in living life to the fullest, enjoyed people and social interaction, the significant factors that always kept him vibrant and sharp to the last breath. His attendance at his coffee group was a special ritual for more than 20 years. All remember Ken as a trusted friend and confidant, always cheerful, always keeping pace with the stock market and political scene, and always planning for the future -- for him and others. He will be sorely missed by many friends and associates at Atria Hearthstone, where he resided the last 2 years. He is survived by his son, Stephen Paul Kern of Tulsa. He was preceded in death by his loving and dedicated wife, Esther Baughman Kern. Other survivors include a sister, Maxine Miller; nieces and nephews, Janet Simkins, Debbie and Kevin Klatt, Jerry Miller, all of California, and cousins Roger Larson, Bob Larson and Linda Norris, all of Topeka; other saddened close friends, Lindell Owensby, Hershel Stroud, Wally Ragan, Candy Berridge, Helen Durstine, Shirley Allen, and Ann Hanson, companion and care giver. Visitation will be Sunday, October 26, 2008 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614, where a parish rosary will be prayed at 6:30. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am, Monday Oct. 27 at the funeral home with burial to follow at Mount Hope Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Ken’s name to the charity of the donor’s choice and sent in care of the funeral home.