Stephen Rodney Kerns, age 85 of Mentor, formerly of Willowick, passed away April 1st, 2026 at Ohman Family Living at Holly in Newbury, OH. He was born January, 12th, 1941 in Glendale, WV to the late Stephen and Mary Bernice Kerns.
Steve was a U.S. Navy Reserve Veteran and a U.S. Air Force Veteran.
Steve retired in 2001 as a Research & Design Technician at Lincoln Electric after 32 years of service.
Steve loved his family and friends and would host an annual 4th of July barbeque where the fall off the bone ribs were his specialty. He had an infectious smile and a great sense of humor and always had a joke. He was an amateur radio enthusiast, he enjoyed fishing, handball at the YMCA with friends, and MOPAR Classic Cars. He coached youth baseball, basketball, and girls softball in Willowick.
Steve was the loving husband to Gail Kerns; dearest father of Brian Kerns, Greg (Pauline) Kerns, and Lisa Kerns; cherished grandfather of Jenna (Michael-fiancé) Kerns, and Julia Kerns; step father of Denise (William) Shaw, Deanna (Thomas) Kochenspager, Greg (Angel) Meyers, and Phillip (Missy) Meyers; step grandfather of Erin (Michael) Davidow, Alyssa (Alex) Shaw, Megan (Adam) Shaw, Rebecca (Matthew) Ranney, Lauren (Adam) McGing, Hannah (Brett) Dennick, Makena Meyers, Max Meyers, Karina Meyers, Stella Meyers, and Orion Meyers; step great grandfather of Elouise, Arlo, Jesse, Miles, Colette, Aiden, Liam, Grayson, and Nolan; brother of Rosalyn Rhodes and the late Elaine Lough, Phil Kerns and Barron Kerns; uncle to many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive family and friends from 2:00 – 5:00 PM Sunday, April 12th, 2026 at Jeff Monreal Funeral Home, 1000 Mentor Ave., Painesville. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 4:30 PM Sunday, April 12th, 2026 at the funeral home.
Donations can be made in Steve’s name to the Wounded Warrior Project www.woundedwarriorproject.org
