Rita Kern

Friday, February 1, 2019 4:08 pm

Rita Kern, 83, of Decorah, died Friday, Jan. 25, 2019, at her home in Decorah. Services are at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, at Decorah Lutheran Church in Decorah, with Rev. Allen Vik officiating. Organist is Kathy Murray. Soloist is Paul Casterton (“Old Rugged Cross” and “In the Garden”). Hymns are “Rock of Ages” and “Precious Lord, Take my Hand.” Honorary urn bearers are all of Rita’s friends. Interment is at Decorah Lutheran Cemetery in Decorah. Arrangements are being handled by Schluter – Balik Funeral Home, 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. She 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 No. 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 and a half years at the Decorah Creamery and then Foremost Farms. She retired in 2001. Rita was married to Earl Kern Nov. 6, 1964, at the Decorah Lutheran Church, by Rev. Bruno Schlatenhaugen. Rita 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, Oct. 3, 2008; her parents, Louis in 1960 and Sylbert in 2002; 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.