John Charles Kern, 60, Newell, died Monday, May 3, 2010, in Newell, SD.

Visitation will be one hour prior to service at Kinkade Funeral Chapel.

Graveside services will be held Thursday, May 6, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. at Black Hills National Cemetery. Family and friends may gather at Kinkade Funeral Chapel prior to leaving for the cemetery.

John was born December 16, 1949, at Toledo, Ohio, to Edward Allen and Vivian (Bash) Kern. He graduated from high school and moved around before joining the Army in 1970 and serving in Vietnam. He came home to Rapid City, got married and settled in Montana for 5 years where he worked as a plumber. After his cancer diagnosis, he vacationed in Florida. John will be remembered for his good sense of humor, his love of horses, and watching movies.

He is survived by one sister, Julie Westrich, Tucson, AZ; one brother, Jay Allen Kern, Las Vegas, NV; best friend and special caregiver, Sheryl Willey, Newell.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Vivian.