A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 8, 2005 at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Breaux Bridge, for Mayor Louis M. ""Frere"" Kern, Sr., 82, who died peacefully at his home in Breaux Bridge, surrounded by his family, on July 5, 2005, at 1:30 p.m. ?
Entombment will be in St. Bernard Cemetery No. 2.
A native and life-long resident of Breaux Bridge, ""Frere"" began his political career during the 1950's as member of St. Martin Parish School Board. ?He was elected Mayor of Breaux Bridge in 1957 and served until 1969. ?He was again elected Mayor in 1987 and served until his retirement in 1999. ?He was an active member of St. Bernard Catholic Church, and was a founding member of VFW Post 4215 in Breaux Bridge, and served as its first Commander, and was a faithful friend of Bill W. for twenty-three years.
Mayor Kern is survived by his wife, Gloria Angelle Kern, one daughter, Karen Kern Domingue and husband, Daniel, of Arnaudville, three sons, Walter ""Jake"" Kern and wife Faye, Drauzin ""Droze"" Kern of Breaux Bridge, and Arthur ""Bada"" Kern and wife Bobbie, of Broussard. ?He is also survived by three sisters, Mae Nargassans, of Breaux Bridge, Mary V. ""Blackie"" Stone of Lake Jackson, TX, and Pauline Romero of Angleton, TX. ?In addition, ""Frere"" is survived by four grandsons, Raegan, Ryan, and Robert Domingue, Cramer Kern, and four granddaughters, Renee Domingue Wood, Rachael Domingue LaLande, Jennifer Kern Baudoin and Britlyn Kern, two great-grandsons, Raegan Adam Domingue II and Austin Domingue, and two great-granddaughters, Alexandra Domingue and Gracie Ann Baudoin.
He was preceded in death by his two sons, Louis Michael ""Mike"" Kern, Jr., and Thomas ""Soudie"" Kern, his grandson, Cye Gerard Kern, his great-grandson, Cye Charles Baudoin, his parents, ?Euranie and Paul Kern, his step-mother, Millian LeBlanc Kern, and his brother, Clay Kern.
Visitation will be observed at Pellerin Funeral Home in Breaux Bridge during the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Thursday, July 7, and again from 7:00 a.m. until time of service, Friday, July 8. ?
A rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, July 7. ?
Pallbearers will be Mayor Kern's grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Hospice of Acadiana, 2600 Johnston St. Ste. 200, Lafayette, La 70503
Pellerin Funeral Home in Breaux Bridge is in charge of arrangements.