A. Gene Kernes Obituary (1930 - 2013)

Alfred Gene Kernes, 83, of Normal, died at 11:00 am, Wednesday, October 23, 2013 at OSFSt. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington.His funeral will be at 10:00 am, Tuesday (10-29-13) at Epiphany Catholic Church, Normal with Monsignor Eric Powell officiating. Interment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery with military rites accorded by the Bloomington-Normal American Legion Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 pm, Monday (10-28-13) at Carmody-Flynn Williamsburg Funeral Home, Bloomington with the rosary recited at 7:00 pm.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Epiphany Catholic Church.Gene was born on July 17, 1930 in Madrid, Iowa, the son of William Alexander and Nellie Hewitt Kernes. He married Patricia Ann Stanfel on June 25, 1955 in Des Moines, Iowa.She survives.He is also survived by a daughter, Cindy (Bill) Thomas, Normal and a son, Tim (Patty) Kernes, Bloomington; five grandchildren, Melissa (Mike) Miles, Casie (Matt Kagel) Parker, Kristin Brandt, Andrew Kernes and Ryan (Tina) Kernes; four great-grandchildren, Peyton and Reece Miles, Tyler Kagel and Caleb Davis; a sister, Rosalie A. Topper, Bellingham, Washington and a brother, Vincent Kernes of California.He was preceded in death by four brothers and one sister.Gene served in the US Air Force during the Korean War. He worked for Firestone Tire and Rubber in Bloomington, retiring as a supervisor after 21 years. He later worked 13 years as a painter for the City of Bloomington Parks Rec Department.Gene was a charter member of Epiphany Catholic Church in Normal. He was also a member of the Thomas Carmody Knights of Columbus Council, Normal, Moose Lodge #745, Bloomington and American Legion Post 635, Normal.Gene was an avid card player, enjoyed crossword puzzles and western paperback novels. He was a SIU Saluki fan and a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan.Gene enjoyed following his grandchildren and great grandchildrens sporting events. He wasa loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather and was the definition of a good man.