Edwin C. Kern

Edwin C. Kern, 100, passed away Thursday, November 3, 2016, in Odessa, Washington.

He was a lifetime resident of the Marlin/Odessa area, where he farmed and raised his family.

Edwin was born on May 25, 1916, in Marlin, Washington, to Fred and Matilda (Weishaar) Kern. He attended Marlin School grades 1-4, Lauer school grades 5-8, and Odessa school for grades 9-12, graduating in 1935. After high school he went to work on Grand Coulee Dam from 1935-1939. While working on the dam, he married Joycelyn Frentz on August 2, 1937, in Seattle, Washington, and they made their home in Grand Coulee until they returned to Odessa to run the family farm. Edwin farmed from 1940-1976 and then continued to help with harvest for a few more years.

After retiring he and Joycelyn moved into Odessa where he lived until his death.

Edwin was a member of the Zion Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Eagles Lodge, a weed inspector for six years and current board chairman for the Lincoln County Weed board, Life member of the Odessa Grange, Odessa Coin Club, President of the Retired Public Employee union from 1990-2014, former Odessa school bus driver for 24 years, Odessa Union and Odessa Trading Company member and Odessa Alumni Association. Edwin played accordion for many years at dances and events; did coin, bottle and stamp collecting; restored old cars; repaired windmills; enjoyed traveling and attended the 1962 World's Fair in Seattle, Washington.

Edwin is survived by his son, Ken Kern, and several nieces and nephews and friends. He is preceded in death by his wife, Joycelyn, in 2007; two brothers: Harold Kern in 2003 and Oscar Kern in 2010.

Inurnment will be held on Monday, November 14, 2016, at 10 a.m., at the Odessa Cemetery, followed by a Celebration of Life Memorial Services at 11 a.m., at the Zion Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Odessa, with Pastor Mark Squire, officiating.

Memorials may be make in Edwin's name to the Zion Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 4279 SR 21 N, Odessa, WA 99159. Please sign the online guest book at http://www.stratefuneralhome.com. Strate Funeral Home, Davenport, Washington, is caring for the Kern family.