Thomas Ray Kerns

Thomas Kerns, 82, of Edgewood, Iowa, passed away after an extended illness, on Tuesday, November 20, 2018, at his residence.  Tom was born on June 17, 1936, in Fairbank, the son of Floyd and Iva (Greening) Kerns.  Tom attended Immaculate Conception Catholic School in Fairbank.  At the age of 17, Tom enlisted in the United States Army, serving from 1954-1957. 

On June 21, 1958, Tom was united in marriage to Joan Yeager at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bellevue.  Four children were born to this union.  The couple farmed for five years west of Oelwein and then for three years near Edgewood.  In 1966 they purchased the Edgewood Locker. During that time, Tom was able to see the locker grow from one full time and one part time employee to over 50 full time and dozens of part time and seasonal employees.  He served four years as Regional Director for the Iowa Meat Processors.  Tom was proud to watch the Edgewood Locker become a three-generation business.

Tom served as Scout Master for Troop 28 in Edgewood form 1970-1982.  He helped many young men become Eagle Scouts. In 1975 he received the District Award of Merit, and in 1980 the Silver Beaver Award from the Boy Scouts of America.  Tom was an active member of the community.  In 1975 he received the Distinguished Service Award from the Edgewood Jaycees. From 1975-1985 he was on the Edgewood City Council.  Tom was also a 50-year member of the Edgewood American Legion.  He was a longtime member of St. Mark Catholic Church.

Tom loved the outdoors.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing and ice fishing.  He especially loved hunting mushrooms in the spring and ginseng in the fall.  Tom loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them.

Survivors include in wife of 60 years, Joan Kerns of Edgewood; his four children, Terry (Jody) Kerns of Edgewood, Jim (Jody) Kerns of Edgewood, Judy (Ray) Scott of Marion, and Rob (Janelle) Kerns of Iowa City; 14 grandchildren, Luke (Brooke), Katie (Drew) Anderson, Baili (Brad) Maurer, Payson, Maddy, Emma, Noelle, Ava, Amber Scott, Allison Scott, Mikinna, Cole, Teya, and Tommy; three great-grandchildren, Cora and Ada Kerns, and Ellie Anderson; four siblings, Sally (Dennis) Harkins of Phoenix, Arizona, Iva Mae Meyer of Oelwein, Jeanette Stanek of Hazleton, and Roger (Lucille) Kerns of Fairbank; and one sister-in-law, Diann Kerns of Oelwein.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Gen Lubbs and Geraldine Day; one brother, Charles Kerns; and four brothers-in-law, Gene Stanek, Elmer Day, Larry Lubbs, and Jerry Meyer.

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