In Memory of Robert "Matt" Kern

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The following article and obituary were published in the Frankenmuth News on June 24, 2009. Matt Kern from the Kern Sausages passed away on June 21, 2009. Matt Kern and his brother, Charlie, purchased the Kern Sausage business from their father, Marcus Kern. Marcus Kern started the business in 1949 in Frankenmuth. Both Matt and Charlie were active in community affairs.

Matt Kern Passes at Age 81

Robert “Matt” Kern was a rather silent leader in the community of Frankenmuth.

But his business acumen, devotion to church and family and ready smile spoke volumes of the man.

Kern passed away on Sunday, June 21, at The Lutheran Home of Michigan at age 81. The funeral will take place at 11am Thursday, June 25, at St. Lorenz Lutheran Church.

Matt and his brother Charles owned and operated Kern’s Sausages from November 1958 until Charles’ untimely death in April, 1994. They formed a partnership in 1958 with their father, Marcus, who founded the firm August 1, 1949.

Under the leadership of Matt and Charles, the meat market blossomed into a corner market and one of the more well-known catering companies as well as providing meats for civic groups to serve at various events, including the Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival. In fact, the Willkommen Banner carried in the Bavarian Sunday Parades began in 1962, with Matt and Charles carrying it in the early years of the parade.

Kern was born February 9, 1928, to Marcus and Esther (List) Kern. He married Eileen Rummel November 10, 1951. She often worked side-by-side with him at catering events. She survives him.

In his teenage years, Kern worked for Reindel and Bronner Lumber Company. Matt then served with the Army Corps of Engineers from 1950-52 in Fort Belvoir, Va. Upon his return in November 1952, Matt joined the business.

HOT AND READY . . . OFF THE GRILL! Kern's Sausages co-owners Charlie Kern and Matt Kern manned many hours in their butcher shop and grocery store and, of course, over the grill. The above News photo was taken at the store located across from their current location at South Main and Jefferson streets.

Kern’s Sausages was among the very first businesses in Frankenmuth to promote the Bavarian theme and their building reflected the German motif. In 1957, two years before the “Bavarianization” of the Fischer Hotel, the Kern brothers and Marcus adopted the well-known logo of the little German sausage man. It was created by a Saginaw News artist and is as familiar to long-time Frankenmuthers as the community’s crest.

When father Marcus passed away in June 1969, the two brothers purchased their father’s interest and continued the partnership.

Matt had a love for his congregation at St. Lorenz Lutheran Church. He served on several committees, including Cemetery Committee, the Finance Committee, as a trustee, the Lutheran Laymen’s League and Lutheran Fraternities of America.

Being an army veteran, Matt also served as a past post commander of the Frankenmuth American Legion Post #150 and was also a member of the Frankenmuth City Board of Review for many years.

Professionally, Matt had served on the Michigan Meat Provisioners Association Board of Directors.

On January 1, 1996, Matt and Eileen Kern and Charles’ wife Elaine sold the business to Ron and Kevin Kern – Charles and Elaine’s sons. They are the third-generation owners.

The firm is celebrating 60 years in business this year.

Matt and Eileen’s daughters are Kris (Tim) Fox of Howell, Kate Kern of Frankenmuth and Kelly (Doug) Lamb, also of Frankenmuth.

Obituary

Robert “Matt” Kern, Frankenmuth, passed away Sunday, June 21, 2009, at the Lutheran Home of Frankenmuth. Age 81, Matt was born February 9, 1928, in Frankenmuth to the late Marcus and Esther (List) Kern. He was married to Eileen Rummel on November 10, 1951; she survives him. Matt served with the Army Corps of Engineers from 1950-1952. In 1952, Matt joined the family business (Kern’s Sausages), where he was co-owner with his brother Charles. He was a member of St. Lorenz Lutheran Church, where he served as a trustee, was on the Cemetery Committee, Finance Committee, LLL, Lutheran Fraternities of America and also served on various other committees. He was past post commander and adjutant of American Legion Post #150. Matt served on the Board of Review for many years.

Surviving besides his wife Eileen are three daughters, Kris (Tim) Fox of Howell; Kate Kern and Kelly (Doug) Lamb, all of Frankenmuth; four grandchildren, Matthew and Connor Lamb, and Alexandra and Nathan Fox; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Gerald and Janet Rummel, Joe and Phyllis McDonald, Ellen Duff, Jane Kaes, and Gene and Judy Rummel; and many nieces and nephews. Matt was preceded in death by his brother Charles, sister-in-law Elaine Kern, brothers-in-law Eldon Duff, Willis Kaes and Jim Rummel.

Funeral services will take place at 10:15am on Thursday, June 25, at Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth, 590 N. Franklin Street, and 11am at St. Lorenz Lutheran Church. The Rev. Gary Bender will officiate, with burial between services in St. Lorenz Cemetery. Matt’s family will receive visitors at the funeral home on Wednesday from 1-8pm and on Thursday from 9:30am until time of service. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Lorenz Student Aid Fund or St. Lorenz Lutheran Church – Haas Farm.

In Memory of Robert “Matt” Kern
by Wally Kern

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