Howard W. Kern, 91, of Galena, IL, passed away at 11 A/M, Sunday, September 8, 2013, at the Midwest Medical Center in Galena, surrounded by his family.

Funeral Services will be at 11 A/M, Thursday, September 12, 2013, at the Miller & Steinke Funeral Home, Galena, with Rev. Dennis Hill officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, where full military honors will be accorded by VFW Post #2665 and members of the American Legion Post.

Friends may call from 4 P/M to 8 P/M, Wednesday, September 11, 2013, and after 10 A/M, Thursday, September 12, 2013, at the Miller & Steinke Funeral Home, Galena.

Howard was born on October 7, 1921, in Dyersville, IA, the son of William P. and Alta D. (Gearhart) Kern. He married Helen Louise Cording on October 6, 1951, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Galena. She preceded him in death on January 20, 2008.

Howard was formerly employed at A. Y. McDonald Manufacturing Company in Dubuque, IA, retiring in 1986.

Howard was a veteran of the U S Army, serving from 1942-1950 during W W II and the Occupation of Japan. He loved woodworking, puzzles, reading, and visiting with his friends over coffee at McDonald's. He was a member of VFW Post #2665.

Surviving are 5 children, LaVonne (David) Ohms, of Galena, IL, Roger (Nancy) Kern, of Hazel Green, WI, Donald (Susan Karberg) Kern, Linda (Gerry) Gronewald, and Mary Ann (Larry) Kaiser, all of Galena, IL; 21 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren; a brother, Delbert Kern, of Galena, IL; and a sister, Wilma Reittinger, of Greensboro, NC.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Angeleta Johnson; and six brothers, LeRoy, Hilbert, Edmond, George, Joseph, and Carl.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com.