Doreen G. (Lauer) Kern

Doreen Kern died peacefully at her home on April 3, 2021, in Paynesville at the age of 56 after her 5-year journey with cancer. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, May 14, 2021, at Grace United Methodist Church in Paynesville.  A visitation will be held on Thursday from 5-8:00 pm at Grace United Methodist Church and continue one hour prior to the service at the church.  . Services are entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville.  

Doreen was born on June 9, 1964, in Paynesville to Romuald and MaryAnn (Schaefer) Lauer. She grew up on a farm near St. Martin and graduated from Paynesville High School in 1982. After many years working as a housekeeper and nursing assistant at 700 Stearns Place and Paynesville Hospital, she pursued a degree in nursing.

She married Randy Kern, her high school sweetheart, on June 2, 1984. Over the course of 36 years, they raised 7 children at their home in Paynesville. Doreen was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She enjoyed spending time at the family's hobby farm outside of Paynesville, gardening, and working as a registered nurse at the Paynesville Hospital. Through her years of treatment, she displayed great courage, strength, and grace - remaining resilient until the very end.

Doreen is survived by her husband, Randy, of Paynesville; children: Chris (Jenn) of Cameron, Missouri, Amanda (Brendan) Wickstrom of St. Paul, Morgan of Minneapolis, Holli (and partner, Brady Lindquist) of New London, Collin of Duluth, Taylor of Moorhead, and Connor of Paynesville; six grandchildren; mother, MaryAnn of St. Martin; siblings:  Gary (Anne) of Hugo, Dale (Judi) of Spicer, Conrad (Mary) of St. Martin, Carol (Greg) Mohrenweiser of Onamia, Tim (Nancy) of St. Martin, Fred of Buffalo and Ron (Tammy) of Albany; mother-in-law, Eileen (Hennen) Kern of Paynesville; brothers-in-law, Larry (Lynae) Kern of Paynesville, Ron (Jean) Kern of Belgrade and Kevin Kern of Paynesville; sisters-in-law, Lori (Jeff) Evans of Paynesville, Sandy (Keith) Spanier of Avon, and Brenda Kern of Maple Grove.

She is preceded in death by her father, Romuald Lauer; brother, Roger Lauer; sister, Sandra Lauer; father-in-law, Gerald Kern; and sister-in-law, Diane Kern.

The family would like to thank everyone who helped during the years of Doreen's treatment and the continued support after her passing.

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