Alvin Robert Kern

Alvin R. "Al" Kern, age 86 of Grafton, passed away on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at the Altru Hospital of Grand Forks. Alvin Robert Kern was born on March 18, 1926 in Pembina, ND, the son of the late Walter and Mary (Wills) Kern. He grew up and attended school there. Following his education, he served in the United States Navy during WWII. After he was discharged, he married Yvonne Barthelette in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada and the couple settled in Grafton. He began working for the Northern Pacific Railroad, which later became the Burlington Northern Railroad as a depot agent. While employed for the railroad, he also worked part-time as an ambulance driver on the first ambulance crew in Grafton. He retired from the railroad in 1984. He wintered in Florida for 15 years before finally settling back in Grafton. He was a member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church of Grafton, the Am Vets, the Grafton V.F.W. Post #9367, and the Grafton American Legion Post #41. He enjoyed collecting old bottles and deep sea fishing. He is survived by his children: Patrick Kern, Arco, ID, Jeffrey Kern, Salt Lake City, UT, Scott (Lynda) Kern, Grafton, ND, Laurie (Curtis) Novak, Crary, ND, Kerry (Teresa) Kern, Spanish Fork, UT, Jamie Kern, Grafton, ND, 14 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Yvonne, brothers: Leslie and Edward, and sister Dorothy. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. Funeral services will be Thursday, April 26, 2012 at 10:30 A.M. at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church of Grafton. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 5-7, with a prayer service at 7 P.M. at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton. Friends may also call at the church for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the Grafton Lutheran Cemetery. Military rights will be provided by the Grafton American Legion Post #41 and the North Dakota National Guard Honor Guard.