Charlie Kern
Nov. 5, 1946 - Nov. 20, 2017
Charles William "Charlie" Kern, 71, of Hutchinson, passed away peacefully on Nov. 20, 2017, at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita of complications from a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. He was born Nov. 5, 1946, in Chanute, the son of Omer and Florence (Anderson) Kern.
Charlie graduated from Neodesha High School in 1964. He graduated from Central Christian College in 1966, Emporia State University in 1968, and attended Kansas State University.
On February 14, 1972, he married Shirley (Teter) Tussel, in Wichita.
He was an accomplished athlete, winning several awards, including the Triple Crown. Charlie worked in education for many years as a teacher, coach, and principal at El Dorado, Benton, and Emmett school districts. Thereafter, he worked in a variety of occupations, including restaurant management and managing Ampride Convenience Stores for the Kanza Co-op.
Charles and Shirley moved to Plevna in 1977, where they renovated and ran the historic Plevna General Store for about ten years, until it was lost in a fire in January 1997. In September of this year, they moved from Plevna to their new home in Hutchinson.
Charlie recently enjoying substitute teaching in the Buhler schools. He was always on the go, whether tinkering in his shop, working in the yard, rescuing family members from their frequent minor emergencies, or playing with the grandkids. Charlie enjoyed traveling, hunting, and fishing. He was considered a second father and loving role model by many.
Survivors include his wife, Shirley; sons Michael "Mike" Kern (Sarah) and Richard "Dick" Tussel Jr.; daughters Cheryl Monaghan Eisenhour and Stacy "Stace" Tussel; sister Carol Pember (Marion); 13 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and brother-in-law Galen Anderson (Debra). He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Lois Phillips.
Funeral services were Monday, Nov. 27, 2017, at Elliott Chapel. Burial was in Fairlawn Burial Park, Hutchinson. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests gifts to the John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.
