Stephen Kernen Obituary (1946 - 1998)

Karen Bedell '64 said:

Bedford Times-Press
Wednesday January 21, 1998 p. 5
Steve Kernen
Funeral services for Steve Kernen were held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 15, 1998 at the United Methodist Church in Bedford with Rev. Paul Evans and Rev. Ted DeHass officiating. Burial was in the Lexington Cemetery. The Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford was in charge of arrangements.
Stephen Carl Kernen, was born February 3, 1946 in Maryville, Missouri the son of Glenn and Doris Stewart Kernen. He graduated from the Bedford Community High School in 1964, and then attended Auctioneer's School in Kansas City. He was united in marriage to Donna [Ann] Stockwell on January 28, 1968 at the United Methodist Church in Bedford. To this loving union two sons were born, Danny and Justin.
Survivors include his loving wife Donna; two sons, Danny of Bedford and Justin and wife Melissa and their son Lance of Bedford; his parents, Glenn and Doris Kernen of Bedford; one sister, Glenda and husband Lowell Weir of Des Moines; one nephew, Todd and wife Rosemary Hensley Weir and their son James of Poughkeepsie, New York, along with many other friends and relatives.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Estella and Carl Kernen and Franklin and Nettie Stewart.
Steve was a lifelong Taylor County resident and was known as a man that possessed a great sense of humor and quick wit. He loved being on the farm. Steve and Donna together had the Kernen Grain Elevator for over fifteen years. Steve and his folks were the originators of the Taylor County Ag Expo, which began at the elevator.
Steve was involved in 4H for many years volunteering his time and skills as an auctioneer for the 4H club activities. Ever since Steve and Donna were married Steve had a passion for horses and horse activities. He was a member and officer of the Bedford Saddle Club and served on the Board of Directors for the Arrowhead Appaloosa Club. He raised and showed horses, having a World Champion Appaloosa Stallion in 1992. He announced and judged many horse shows.
Steve was a member of the Bedford Lions Club, being voted Citizen of the Year for 1995. He was a member of the A.F. and A.M. Taylor Masonic Lodge # 156. Steve served as an area Auctioneer for 34 years; he was also a member of the Taylor County Fairboard. He announced all of the activities for the Taylor County Fair as well as for local parades. Steve was a member of the Corning/Clarinda National Guard for over six years. He was also a member of the Bedford United Methodist Church.
Steve's favorite time of the year was 4th of July on which he entertained with games, volleyball and fireworks. The family remembers that whenever Steve wasn't showing horses he enjoyed golfing and relaxing on the patio on the weekends. As Steve would relax on the patio he could look out over the family farm on which he had been born and lived on his entire life. Steve enjoyed his family and friends. He enjoyed little activities. He enjoyed what really mattered in life - - he loved people and visiting with them.
Steve always gave of himself to help others, but the true joy in life was spent being with his family. He loved all of his family and all of his family loved him.