James Kern

James J. Kern, 82, of Fort Dodge, passed away Wednesday January 31, 2024, at the Paula J. Baber Hospice House.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held On Wednesday, February 7th at 11:00 AM at Holy Trinity Church with Msgr. Kevin McCoy officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 9:00 to 11:00 AM at the church.

Laufersweiler Funeral Home is serving the family.

James is survived by his wife, Judy; sons, James Allen (Amy) Kern of Des Moines, Jeffery (Wendy) Kern of Boone, Jon (Deb) Kern of Fort Dodge, and Jay Kern of Indianola; 7 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren; and sisters, Betty Dutcher and Helen Munn both of Fort Dodge.

James is preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Ann Baker.

James Joseph Kern, the son of Adam and Catherine (Winters) Kern, was born on March 19, 1941, in Austin Minnesota. James and his family relocated to Fort Dodge in 1945 where James was raised and educated. He graduated from St. Edmond High School in 1959. On January 23, 1960, He was united in marriage to Judith Whelchel at Sacred Heart Church. The couple established their home and raised their family in Fort Dodge. For 30 years, James worked in the meat packing industry, including Gus Glasers, Hormels, and Nissen Meats. In 1991, he became employed with the City of Fort Dodge as a water plant operator, until retiring in 2003. James is a member of Holy Trinity, and over the years has enjoyed spending time doing yardwork, fishing, golfing, and playing pool.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be left to Paula J. Baber Hospice Home or Almost Home Animal Shelter.