Obituary of Doreen Louise Kern

KERN - Doreen Louise (Welke) - age 82, of Swift Current, SK passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 2, 2015. Doreen was born December 14, 1932 to Adolf and Ida Welke on the family farm near Glen Bain, SK. She attended Middlefold School in the Glen Bain area, graduated from high school at the Convent of Jesus and Mary in Gravelbourg, SK, and went on to complete Teachers College in Moose Jaw, SK. As a young teacher, Doreen taught in Lloydminster, Hazenmore and at Ashley Park School in Swift Current. On the advice of her landlady, Doreen sought dental treatment from a handsome new dentist in town - and future husband - Dr. Harold Kern. Harold and Doreen were married as St. Olaf Lutheran Church on July 4, 1959. They had 3 children: Debra in 1960, Brent in 1962 and Sherry in 1964. Doreen continued to substitute teach throughout her career, and her gentle, encouraging nature had a lasting impact on many of her students. She was a passionate and dedicated contributor to the community, through her church, as a board member of Dr. Noble Irwin Hospital Foundation, through volunteer work with MS, Kidney and Diabetes Societies, and by spearheading the initiation of the dialysis unit in Swift Current, as well as lobbying for the construction of the new hospital. Doreen was honored for her community service with the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal and the Queen's Golden Jubilee Award, and she was delighted to be an invited guest at Prince Andrew's table on his royal visit to Swift Current. An extremely warm and sociable person, Doreen enjoyed her associations with the Shrine Club, her Fortnightly Club and Investors Club. She loved to host functions, attend fowl suppers, go to dances, follow hockey and football games, cheer on her grandchildren at their sporting events, take sunny vacations, relax at the family cabin at Lac Pelletier, worship and serve at her church. Doreen's greatest joy was spending time with her family, particularly her four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents, three sisters, two brothers, and in 2002 by Dr. Harold Kern, her husband of 43 years. She is survived by her son Brent Kern (Trish Ayrey); daughters Debra (Denis) Cote and Sherry (Gino) Ferronato; grandsons Brandin (Jennifer) Cote, Austin and Colin Ferronato; granddaughter Tricia Cote (Dale Paul); and great-grandchildren Zachary and Carter Cote. Doreen's kind, sweet, gentle, loving, compassionate and generous spirit will long be remembered by the many people whose lives she touched. She will forever be treasured in the hearts of her family and friends.