Norman Henry Kern

Norman Henry Kern, of Weldon Spring, MO, passed away Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at the age of 92. Beloved husband of the late LaVerne Mae Kern; cherished son of the late Allen Otto and Ella Emma Kern; devoted father of Michael (Julie) Kern, Steven (Laura) Kern, and Daniel (Jacqueline) Kern; loving grandfather of Meagan (Mark) Hillmann, Courtney (Kevin) Miller, Adam (Rosie) Kern, Stephanie (David) Hardy, Matthew Kern, Joel (Kara) Kern, Nathan (Kristin) Kern, Tamara (Matthew) Hudson, Janell (John) Kalbac, Andrea Kern, and Hanna (Adam) Orf; treasured great-grandfather of 20 1/2 great-grandchildren; dear brother of Raymond (Margie) Kern and Millie (the late Dave) Freeman; preceded in death by three sisters, Fern (the late Harold) Thieman, Marie (the late Lee) Beck, and Laura (the late Gary) Reimann. 

After graduating from Normandy High School in St. Louis, MO, Norman engaged in carpentry work with his father until he entered the United States Army. He proudly served in the Army for two years, serving his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO and his deployment in Anchorage, Alaska. Determined to make it to his wedding before deploying, Norman hitchhiked home from Fort Leonard Wood—a journey that marked the beginning of his marriage to the love of his life, LaVerne. Norm and Vernie then began their 70-year marriage in the cold arctic of Alaska. 

A hardworking man, and with the knowledge and experience he gained working as a project superintendent at Henty Construction, Norm built four different homes during his lifetime. His family was his greatest priority, and he was a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, and brother. In his later years, Norm often commented that his favorite thing to do in life was to spend time with his family. 

Norman had a deep appreciation for the outdoors. He loved boating and waterskiing with LaVerne and their three sons on the Mississippi River and Lake of the Ozarks. After the boys left home Norm and LaVerne took up golf, spending countless hours on golf courses, including their home course Whitmoor Country Club. As passionate sports fans, Norm and Vernie held season tickets for the football Cardinals and Rams and then cheered on the Kansas City Chiefs. Throughout his life, Norm formed strong friendships with various friend circles through church, golf, football, and bridge clubs. In his later years, he and LaVerne built new friendships at Breeze Park. 

An avid gardener, he had a special love for flowers, particularly orchids and African violets, even building a greenhouse to nurture them. He was also a skilled BBQ enthusiast and taught his sons how to hunt deer, rabbit, and squirrels. 

A man of deep faith, Norman was actively involved at Zion Lutheran Church, Harvester, serving as an usher and dedicating his retirement to maintenance, improvements, and construction projects for the church. 

An avid reader, Norman devoured thousands of books during his lifetime, keeping detailed lists to avoid duplicate readings. In his later years, he enjoyed working on puzzles, always having a puzzle in progress for sharing with family. Norm’s love for learning, dedication to family, and strong sense of community defined his remarkable life. Norm was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He died, nonetheless, with the firm confidence that He would be joining his beloved wife Vernie in the heavenly kingdom of their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

Memorials may be made in Norman's name to Zion Lutheran Church.