Richard Kern Obituary

Richard Michael Kern was born on July 2, 1945, in South Carolina and passed away peacefully on January 28, 2024, in Redding California.

Rick grew up in Kuokuk, Iowa with his mother Madeline Frank. He was dedicated Boy Scout from 1955 until 1964 and earned his Eagle Scout Award in 1961 and continued to volunteer in various capacities with the Boy Scouts throughout his life. In 1966 he enlisted in the United States Army and served until 1972. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and Sharpshooter Badge for his rifle skills. His military career led him to the sunny state of California where he settled down and started his new life.

Once settling in Redding, CA, Rick had a variety of careers including owner/operator of two businesses, photo developer for Payless Drug Store and then finally he became a Class A truck driver to see 48 states and Canada while getting paid to "work". His years on the road led to a full retirement from the trucking industry and many stories and people along the way.

Once he returned to Shasta County and settled in the City of Shasta Lake, he started his quest to volunteer and "keep busy" with many local nonprofits and organizations across the Northstate. Some of his top volunteer moments include Anderson Chamber of Commerce, fundraising for the Anderson Explodes, KIXE volunteer of the year, RABA Board of Directors, City of Shasta Lake Parks and Recreation Board, City of Shasta Lake Library Board and City of Shasta Lake Fire Board. All these opportunities led him to his final career as a councilman and Mayor for the City of Shasta Lake from April 2014 until January 2023.

Rick was a dedicated veteran serving on many committees and incentives to improve veterans' services around the Northstate. He was a proud member of the American Legion Post 720 in Shasta Lake, where he held such titles as Post Commander and Post Chaplin.

Rick is survived by his wife, Barbara Kern, his three children: Michelle (Jeff) Thum, Darlene (Randy) Neuenfeld and Ed (Donna) Hackworth, his six grandchildren: Jeremy Neuenfeld, Amber Gilliland, Danielle Hackworth, Brent Hackworth, Jake Thum and Kyra Thum, and nine great grandchildren: Alexis Johndrow, Kathryn Neuenfeld, Jackson Neuenfeld, Masen Gilliland, Madelyn Gilliland, Hunter Hackworth, Ryder Hackworth, Blakelyn Hackworth and Kennedy LaHue.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Legion Post 720, 4309 Vallecito St, Shasta Lake, CA 96019 in memory of Rick Kern.

Services will be held at the Northern California Veterans Cemetery in Igo, on March 1st at 11am and a celebration of life will be held at 1pm at the Shasta Lake Community Center following the services.