Richard C. Kern, 52, of Mt. Carmel, IL, formally of Fort Branch, IN, and of Midlothian, IL. passed away on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2009 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Evansville, IN.

He was born to the late Albert J. and Marieta R. (Huneke) Kern on Mar. 31, 1956 in Springfield, IL.

Rich had worked at Motion Industries as a branch manager. He attended St. Christophers Parrish in Midlothian, IL, while growing up. He liked to coach sports, such as T-Ball and football, and he loved to camp and fish.

Besides his parents, Rich is preceded in death by his wife Billie Jean (Bristow) Kern, who passed away Dec. 20, 1992.

He is survived by 6 children and their spouses, Joshua (Chelsie) Kern of Haubstadt, IN, Jason (Amanda) Kern of Orlando, FL, Adam Kern of Chicago, IL, Erik (Amanda) Kern of Orlando, FL, Zachary Kern of Owensville, IN, and Abigail Kern of Owensville; 4 brothers and 2 sisters, Joe (Micheline) Kern of Las Vegas, Nev, Ken (Denise) Kern of New Lenox, IL, Kim Forrest of Louisiana, Allison (John) Ferenzi of Lake Moor, IL, John Kern of Orland Park, IL, and Dave (Joy) Kern of Bourbannais, IL; 4 grandchildren, Hope, Jaylen, Tyler, and Brylie Kern; he was also uncle to many nieces and nephews.

A mass of Christian burial will be conducted on Monday, Feb. 9, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Bloomington-Normal, IL, with burial in Holy Cross Cemetery in Bloomington-Normal, IL.

A visitation will be on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2009 at the Stodghill Funeral Home located on Hwy. 168 West in Fort Branch, IN, from 2:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M., with a rosary to be recited at 5:30 P.M. at the funeral home that evening.