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
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2 Replies to “Stephen Rodney Kerns”
Such an Amazing Man who I am blessed to have cared for him. I feel very blessed to have had him in my life he was like family to me always a smile always had a good joke always very appreciative of everything. He was so sweet and kind to everyone. I feel so honored to have been his caregiver and I will never forget him. He gave me a nickname, D Buddy. When I went to see him just a couple weeks ago when I walked into the room, I know his eyes lit up and he remembered who I was and that was so very special to me. Also, he always talked about God and was always praying and believed that God was always there for him, and that was so nice to hear all the time. I will truly miss the little things like our conversations and having coffee with him and just listening about his life and I just will never forget everything he shared with me. Taking care of him I know that I helped him, but he did just as much for me as I did for him just being in his life rest in peace Steve and I will truly miss you. Love you,D Buddy
Steve you left before I came to see you when I found out I cried. Now who’s going to tell me keep it under 100. I will cherish the memories and will miss you dearly. 😭😭
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