In Memory of Michael J. Kern
Donation protected
Strength and Unfailing Love
My father, Michael J. Kern, passed away Tuesday, December 15, 2015 after a four-year medical struggle. In that time he had a heart-attack, quadruple bypass surgery, a stroke, a left-leg amputation as well as colon and lung cancer. He passed surrounded by a family who loved him and felt loved by him. His loss will be deeply felt for those who knew him for the rest of our lives. His memory lives on in our hearts. We as a family felt it was important to share a snapshot of the man he was and the role he played in our lives.
My Dad was a former Marine whose service to his country and community did not stop after his return from Vietnam. My Dad was a man who was always willing to help others. Wheither it was hooking a plow up to the tractor and shoveling the neighbors driveways or being a kind and compassionate support system for those in need, my Dad would do what ever it took to give himself fully to those who needed it.
As a recipient of seven Purple Heart awards my father displayed his bravery on the battlefield. But his greatest display of courage was at home with his family. His ability to constantly ask his daughters about their hearts and how they were feeling on a daily basis was a constant reminder of his love. His dedication and loyalty to his wife was unmatched among any man I have ever encountered in my life. In our home you would frequently hear a loud booming voice calling out to his wife saying, "Deborah Darling, I love you honey". His unfailing love warmed our hearts and our home. But now with the patriarch of our family gone the struggle to reconcile the medical bills that have built up over the years as well as the funeral costs is overwhelming. For a man that gave so much to anyone that entered his life we humbly ask that you help with whatever donation you can. Truly any amount makes a difference and now we need your help more than ever.
"Giving is, first and every time, hand to hand,
Mine to yours, yours to mine."
~Alberto Ríos
My father, Michael J. Kern, passed away Tuesday, December 15, 2015 after a four-year medical struggle. In that time he had a heart-attack, quadruple bypass surgery, a stroke, a left-leg amputation as well as colon and lung cancer. He passed surrounded by a family who loved him and felt loved by him. His loss will be deeply felt for those who knew him for the rest of our lives. His memory lives on in our hearts. We as a family felt it was important to share a snapshot of the man he was and the role he played in our lives.
My Dad was a former Marine whose service to his country and community did not stop after his return from Vietnam. My Dad was a man who was always willing to help others. Wheither it was hooking a plow up to the tractor and shoveling the neighbors driveways or being a kind and compassionate support system for those in need, my Dad would do what ever it took to give himself fully to those who needed it.
As a recipient of seven Purple Heart awards my father displayed his bravery on the battlefield. But his greatest display of courage was at home with his family. His ability to constantly ask his daughters about their hearts and how they were feeling on a daily basis was a constant reminder of his love. His dedication and loyalty to his wife was unmatched among any man I have ever encountered in my life. In our home you would frequently hear a loud booming voice calling out to his wife saying, "Deborah Darling, I love you honey". His unfailing love warmed our hearts and our home. But now with the patriarch of our family gone the struggle to reconcile the medical bills that have built up over the years as well as the funeral costs is overwhelming. For a man that gave so much to anyone that entered his life we humbly ask that you help with whatever donation you can. Truly any amount makes a difference and now we need your help more than ever.
"Giving is, first and every time, hand to hand,
Mine to yours, yours to mine."
~Alberto Ríos
Organizer and beneficiary
Sara Kern
Organizer
Tysons Corner, VA
Deborah Kern
Beneficiary