Robert Kern

NEW HAMBURG, Mo. -- Robert "Bob" "Duke" Kern, 77, of New Hamburg passed away Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2016, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

He was born April 25, 1939, in New Hamburg to the late Aloysius and Rose Ann Westrich Kern. He married Rose Lee Gloth on June 29, 1963, and she survives of the home.

Robert worked construction most of his life until 1981. He worked for J.C. Penney until retirement in 2001. He belonged to St. Lawrence Catholic Church in New Hamburg. He was a member of the St. Joseph Sodality, Elks Lodge 1810 of Chaffee, Missouri, and Knights of Columbus Council 6420 of Scott City.

One of Bob's greatest joys in life was watching his granddaughters grow up into beautiful young women. Bob loved his family, almost as much as his beloved St. Louis Cardinals, and playing euchre. He loved going to Schindler's Tavern with his son and drinking a couple of ice-cold Stag beers -- "Set a couple up."

Survivors include his wife; a son, Robert Doug (Susan) Kern; two granddaughters, Jessica and Jamie Kern; three brothers, Elmer "Cotton" (Pat) Kern, Aloysius "Otto" (Bernice) Kern Jr. and Donnie (Cheryl) Kern; and four sisters, Georgie Bennett, Barb Kern, Charlene (Shelby) Steger and Carol (Floyd) Klipfel, all of New Hamburg.

He was preceded in death by a sister.

Friends may call after 4 p.m. today at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in New Hamburg. Parish prayers will be at 6:30 p.m. and Knights of Columbus rosary at 7 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the church, with the Rev. Michael Casteel officiating. Burial will be in St. Lawrence Cemetery in New Hamburg.

Online condolences may be shared at www.amick-burnettfuneralchapels.com.

Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.