Obituary for Duane W. Kerns

Duane W. Kerns, 80, of Westgate, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, May 29, 2011 at Community Memorial Hospital. Per Duane’s wishes his body has been cremated. A memorial service has been planned for Thursday, June 2, 2011 at 9:30 am at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Fairbank, Iowa. No visitation is planned. Duane W. Kerns was born on November 19, 1930 to Walter and Lona Chase Kerns in Fairbank, Iowa. He was a graduate of Immaculate Conception High School in Fairbank. Duane was united in marriage with Verna Schiefelbein on August 16, 1958 in Sumner, Iowa. Duane was a veteran of the United States Army having served during the Korean War. He worked for 10 years at the Fairbank Lumber Company and started farming in 1960. Duane was a lifelong dairy farmer and breeder of top quality and top producing Jersey cattle. He enjoyed attending cattle shows, socializing with others in the business and reading. Duane was a member of and past president of both Parish 1 Jerseys and the Iowa Jersey Cattle Club. He served for many, many years on the board of directors and also served as president of the Oran Mutual Telephone Company. In recent years he enjoyed baking and sharing angel food cakes. He is survived by his wife, Verna; children, Mitch (Laurie) Kerns; Maurie Kerns; and Matt Kerns; 5 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; two sisters Daphine Rourke and Dorothy (Duane) Ford; sister-in-law Ruth Kerns. He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter Diane; three brothers John, Harold, Robert; two sisters Wilma Yeager and Catherine Weber. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family or to the donor’s choice in Duane’s name. Food and fellowship in the church hall following services.