Aug 6, 1946 – Mar 18, 2020
With love and gratitude for his life, we share that Bernard A. Kerns, 79, passed away at the Veterans Home – Boland Hall, Union Grove, on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
Bernie was born in Milwaukee on August 6, 1946, and was the beloved son of the late Eugene and Muriel (née Berman) Kerns.
Bernie proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1969. After returning home as a survivor of the Tet Offensive, he earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Milton College and worked as a payroll clerk and school bus driver.
In his free time, Bernie found joy in bowling and in building his collections of coins and sports memorabilia. He especially enjoyed cheering on the Detroit Lions and Tigers, Marquette University, and the New York Knicks. Above all, Bernie will be remembered for his kindness and his sense of humor—always ready with a warm word, a helping hand, or a laugh when it was needed most.
Bernie will be dearly missed by his daughter, Muriel (fiancé, Ryan Richards) Kerns; his son, Benjamin Kerns; his grandchildren, Madeline Archibald, Noah Richards, and Norah Richards; his brother, Henry (Brooke) Kerns; his nephews, Will and David Kerns; as well as numerous dear friends and extended family members.
A private service with military honors was held at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove on Tuesday, March 24th.
