Whelma Jean Kern

Whelma Jean Kern, 89, of Sioux City died Tuesday, April 25, 2017, at Sunrise Retirement Community.

Services will be 4 p.m., Friday, April 28, 2017, at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel with Father Don Ries officiating.  Private graveside services will be held at Calvary Cemetery.  Visitation will be 1 to 4 p.m., Friday, at the funeral home.  

Whelma Jean, daughter of Wilhelm and Christina (Kirkholm) Dausel, was born December 28, 1927, at Battle Creek, IA.  She grew up in Battle Creek and graduated from Battle Creek High School in 1945.  After graduation, she attended Western Union School of Telegraphy.  Whelma then worked as a secretary for Morningside College.

On August 7, 1947, Whelma was united in marriage to Paul E. Kern in Sioux City and to this union three sons were born: Terry, Dennis and Tom.  The family made their home in Sioux City and Whelma worked as a medical secretary at Orthopedic Associates and assisted her husband with Kern Advertising.

For many years, Whelma was a member at Cathedral of the Epiphany and was active with the Confraternity and funeral choir.  In recent years, she was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church.  Whelma had been a member of the Carmelite Board, Sioux City Lioness Club, and the T.O.P.S. Group.  Whelma and Paul enjoyed traveling during their retirement years.  She was an avid bowler and taught bowling, and played bridge.

She is survived by her three sons: Terry (Janet) Kern of Sioux City, IA, Dennis (Lois) Kern of Ankeny, IA and Tom (Donna) Kern of Papillion, NE; three grandchildren: Jon (Jessica) Kern of Sioux City, IA and Theresa and Emily Kern both of Papillion, NE; and two great granddaughters: Genevieve and Daphne Kern of Sioux City, IA.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Paul in 2003; and two sisters: Marjorie Stephan and Marion Lund.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Hospice of Siouxland.