Kern, John 1843-1928

KERN, MOCK

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke--Volunteer
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:33

Source: Alton Democrat (4-20-1928)

Born: December 20, 1843
Died: 1928

VETERAN MAIL CARRIER DIES AT AGE 79 YEARS AFTER SHORT ILLNESS,

John Kern, who came to Alton with his family in 1884 from Jackson County Iowa, died at his home here Sunday morning at the age of 79 years. Death was caused by cancer.

Deceased was born December 20, 1848, at Volpetchausen by Wissen on the Sen. Germany and came to America in 1869 with his father and brother, Peter. He married in Jackson County at St. Boniface Church, Miss Elizabeth Mock on September 19, 1876. Two years ago Mr. and Mrs. Kern celebrated their golden wedding at their home here. They were married by Mr. Kern’s brother, Reverend Peter Kern of Fort Madison, who was also here for the golden wedding anniversary in 1926.

The family came to Alton in the spring of 1884, farming the Peter Arens farm south of town and in 1887 bought the Peter Minten place, two miles southeast of Alton. In 1902 they sold it to William Joanning.

The children who survive their father, in the order of their ages are: Erner of Taunton, Minnesota; Anton of Porter, Minnesota; Henry of Lismore, Minnesota; Kate, Mrs. Fred Reker of Lismore; Annie, Mrs. Mike Miller of Porter; John of Council Bluffs; Peter of Moville, Otto of Council Bluffs and Lizzie, Mrs. H.E. Collins of Alton. He is also survived by his widow and his brother, Reverend Peter Kern of Fort Madison.

After moving into Alton Mr. Kern secured the government contract for carrying mail between the post office and railroad station. His unfailing devotion to duty in that capacity is well known. He was always on the job on time and until this winter when he became unable longer to do the work, he was never known to be absent or late. Since returning home from Omaha where he received treatment for cancer he had the constant thought in mind to get back on the job, but grew weaker and during the last few weeks was unable to assimilate food.

Requiem High Mass was celebrated Tuesday morning at nine o’clock by very Reverend F.J. Brune at St. Mary’s Church, burial taking place at Saint Mary’s Cemetery. All of the children were here for the funeral, also Mrs. Kern’s two sisters, Mrs. Sophia Meis of Council Bluffs and Mrs. Rosa Gaul of Lexemburg. Others from out of the county who were here were Mrs. Katherine Mock of Dyersville; Mrs. Mary Schwenk of Council Bluffs and the Joe Reker family of Lismore, Minnesota, as well as countless friends from neighboring parishes. The six sons were pallbearers.