West Bend, Wi – Jack Raymond Kern, 88, of West Bend, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on September 19, 2024. Born in Watertown, Wisconsin, Jack lived a long and fulfilling life cherished by his family and friends.
Jack was a proud graduate of Watertown High School, where he made history as its first individual state track champion. He continued his education at Ripon College in Ripon, Wisconsin.
Upon graduation, Jack joined the U.S. Army, completing two tours each in Vietnam and South Korea, one in Panama, and one in Thailand. While in Thailand, he worked with the Air Force to locate American soldiers missing in action in Laos. He then rotated to Washington, DC, serving as the Chairman of the Defense Nuclear Agency. He retired a Lt. Colonel after 21 years of dedicated service — a true patriot who lived his life with dignity, and humility, honor, and integrity.
After his military career, Jack and his wife, Judy, owned and operated Racine Paper Company in Racine, Wisconsin. He was a founding member of Oskars Birdwatchers and pioneered “night bird watching.” Jack loved walking the beach on St. Simons Island, Georgia and enjoyed coaching his children’s t-ball and baseball teams.
He was also a basketball referee and deeply loved baseball –saying he could watch it 24/7. Additionally, he taught Junior Achievement for 20 years in local Catholic schools, sharing his knowledge and passion with young minds.
Jack is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Judy; children Peter (Donna), Anne-Marie Cronin, and Kevin (Jennifer); and grandchildren Nicole (Alex, fiancé), Meghan, Erin, Katelyn, and Jack. He is preceded in death by his father, Raymond Kern; mother, Ann (Peck) Kern; and brother, Neil Kern.
A visitation will be held on Friday, September 27, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 406 Jefferson Street, West Bend, Wisconsin. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m. The interment will take place at a later date in Watertown, Wisconsin.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Jack Kern’s memory to the Christ Child Society of Milwaukee or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
The family expresses gratitude to all who cared for him at Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin in West Bend and Horizon Hospice. Their empathy and attention to detail were second to none and much appreciated.
Jack will be deeply missed by his family and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
The Schmidt Funeral Home in West Bend is serving the family. If you would like to share a message of comfort and condolence, please visit www.schmidtfuneralhome.com
