Kenneth Roy Kern

Obituary-Kenneth Roy Kern
Kenneth R. Kern (Ken) passed away on August 31, 2025, in Libby, Montana. Ken was born July 7, 1946, in Rockford, IL, to Roy E. and Jeanette G. Kern.
Ken graduated from East High School in Rockford, IL, in June of 1964 and immediately entered the US Navy. He served aboard the USS Northampton (CC-1), cruising the beautiful waters of the Caribbean Sea. Ken would say, “Someone had to do it!” He was transferred to Great Lakes Naval Training Station in Waukegan, IL to complete his enlistment and was Honorably Discharged in 1967.
Ken and his beloved wife, Patricia (Patty), left Tampa, FL in the spring of 1972 on a journey north along the eastern seaboard to the mountains of the Adirondacks in New York State, thence heading westerly and thereafter, running low on cash and driving a wore down VW camper, ended their very adventurous travels in June of 1972, in the most beautiful valleys and mountains they had ever witnessed. It was here they abruptly settled and carved out a beautiful small homestead in the awesome Iron Creek Valley near Troy, MT, adjacent to what Ken would tell his friends and family is “The Last Best Place in Montana”, the Bull River Valley and Kootenai River Valley.
Ken loved hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, and working in the mountains and valleys as a survey/civil engineering technician.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Ronald (Ron) Kern.
Survivors include his most awesome blessing in life, his wife of 52 years, Patricia A Kern (Rodriquez); sons, Kelly of Missoula and Tad of Santan Valley, AZ; daughter, Leslie of Belgrade, MT; sister, Candice (Erba) Kern of Festus, MO; several beautiful nieces and nephews; and grandchildren Kaleigh, Aaron J., Kiera, Abby, Kyler, Kara, and Luciano (Lucky). Ken adored and loved them all so much, saying “Their unique personalities, energy, and smiles is what keeps me going”.
At Ken’s request, there will be no formal services. His remains will be cremated with a private family celebration to be held at a later date, when his ashes will be spread at an awesome sight overlooking the mountains and valleys he loved so much, his “Last Best Place”. R.I.P.
To his children and grandchildren: “Family and time are the only parts of life we truly have so celebrate together; suffer together. Together we can face all odds and share all blessings.” “Stay patient, stay happy, stay humble.” “Listen to music, dance and howl at the moon.” 
Local arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com. 
 

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