Michael Robert Kern, age 85, of Butler, Ohio, passed away early Tuesday morning, January 27, 2026, at Taylor Place Assisted Living in Findlay, Ohio.
He was born October 20, 1940, in Tiffin, Ohio, one of three sons of the late Robert and Juliana (Harlett) Kern. Michael devoted his life to the Lord and watched church services on television regularly. He was an outdoor enthusiast who enjoyed gardening and bird watching. Being an outdoorsman all his life, he developed an interest in knowing the weather and watched it regularly on tv. Mowing his yard was never a chore for him because he loved it so much. He enjoyed trains and learning about the different cars and railroads.
Michael enjoyed spending time with his large family every chance he could get. He will be fondly remembered as a very hardworking man who had a significant stubborn streak. When he wanted to get his way or believed deeply in a subject—he was immovable when he set his mind to it.
Michael is survived by six children, Brenda Davis, Shari Tramontana, Jeff (Martha) Kern, Pam (Jim) Buckner, Dennis Kern, and Angie Hughes; nine grandchildren, Nichole (Issiah) Sterritt, Westley (Amanda) Davis, Tony Tramontana, Shon (Kayla) Tramontana, Heather (Ryan) Titus, Austin (Helen Hudson) Kern, Kellie (Travis) Casper, Bridgit Kern (Peter LaChapelle) and Brandon (Madison) Hughes; nine great-grandchildren, Caden and Colton Sterritt, Huxley and Rory Davis, Mila and Luca Tramontana, Bailey and Blake Titus and Lara Casper; two great-grandchildren on the way; two brothers, Richard and John Kern; a nephew, Dave Kern; and a niece, Amy Kern.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two grandchildren, Brittany Woodard and Michelle Kern.
The family will receive friends from 4:00-6:00 pm on Monday, February 2, 2026, at Wappner Funeral Directors and Crematory-Ontario, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. The funeral service conducted by Celebrant Vickie Kissel will immediately follow at 6:00 pm.
Words of condolence may be expressed at www.wappner.com
Funeral Home: Wappner Funeral Directors and Crematory-Ontario
Website: www.wappner-ontario.com