Rita Kern

Rita Kern, age 83, of Decorah died Friday, January 25, 2019 at her home in Decorah. A Celebration of Life and Memory was held Saturday, February 2 at Decorah Lutheran Church, Decorah with Rev. Allen Vik officiating. Interment was in Decorah Lutheran Cemetery, Decorah.

Rita Ramona Kern was born May 16, 1935, the daughter of Louis E. and Sylbert C. (Smith) Christofferson, in rural Allamakee County, near Luana. She was baptized by Rev. Van Neys in Waukon and was confirmed at the Frankville Presbyterian Church by Rev. William Niles. In 1958, she joined the Decorah Lutheran Church.

Rita attended the Birdsell Country School (Frankville #4) and graduated from Decorah High School in 1954.  Rita helped on the family farm near Frankville until moving to Decorah in 1956.  She had worked for K & S Super Value, Grahams Store and for 35-1/2 years at the Decorah Creamery and then Foremost Farms. She retired in 2001.

Rita was married to Earl Kern November 6, 1964 at the Decorah Lutheran Church by Rev. Bruno Schlatenhaugen. She was a member of the Decorah Lutheran Church and the Ruth Circle. Rita enjoyed fishing, flowers, crocheting and watching the Hawkeyes, Packers and Cubs. She enjoyed yearly trips to Branson and several longer trips.

Rita is survived by several cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Kern, October 3, 2008; her parents, Louis in 1960 and Sylbert in 2002; and her father- and mother-in-law, Emmons and Fern (Hovey) Kern.

Memorials may be given in memory of Rita to the Decorah Lutheran Church, 309 Winnebago Street, Decorah. Arrangements were handled by Schluter-Balik Funeral Home, Decorah.