Eileen M (Hennen) Kern

Eileen M. Kern, 87 of Paynesville, died Friday, May 22, 2026, at the Paynesville CentraCare Hospital in Paynesville. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 am Friday, May 29, 2026 at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville. Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 pm Thursday at the church and for one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Arrangements are with the Harvey Anderson and Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville. 

Eileen Marie Kern was born on October 24, 1938, the daughter of Joseph Sr. and Sylvia (Ophoven) Hennen on the family farm near Watkins. On February 7, 1959, she was united in marriage to Gerald Kern at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Watkins. In 1964, Eileen, along with her husband Gerald, became owners of A & C Farm Service in Paynesville. In the early 1970’s, Eileen began working as the company’s bookkeeper. Upon her husband’s passing, Eileen continued to be actively involved in managing the family business with her four sons. As she aged, Eileen continued to impress her children and grandchildren by keeping up with her phone and internet skills. She used these skills to find “cool gifts” for her family. Eileen was known to be a generous and giving person, who made holidays and birthdays very memorable. Eileen was most known for her exceptional cooking and baking skills. She enjoyed baking cookies and treats with her grandchildren. She made people in her life feel special with her acts of kindness and joy of giving. She passed away surrounded by all seven of her children.

Eileen is survived by her children, Larry (Lynae) Kern of Paynesville, Lori (Jeff) Evans of Paynesville, Randy Kern of Hawick, Sandy (Keith) Spanier of Avon, Ron (Jean) Kern of Belgrade, Kevin Kern of Paynesville, and Brenda Kern of Maple Grove; 18 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and siblings, Ervin Hennen, Harold Hennen, Betty (Irv) Geislinger, Carol Nistler and Steve (Angela) Hennen. 

Eileen was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald on November 5, 1996; daughter, Diane; daughter-in-law, Doreen; and siblings, Janelle, Norbert, Eugene, and Joseph Jr.

The family of Eileen Kern would like to extend a special thank you to the nursing staff at Paynesville CentraCare Hospital. We greatly appreciate the love, care, and support that all of you provided to our Mother and the family during her final days.

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