Kern, Alfreda

On December 16, 2010, our beautiful Angel flew back to heaven. Alfreda, also known as Fritz, was born on March 22, 1925 in Decatur, Indiana; the daughter of Ben and Rebecca Kohne. She attended St. Joseph Parish and in 1943 she graduated from Central Catholic High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana. In 1945, Fritz married Sgt. Charles E. Kern of the US Marine Corp in Bakersfield, California. On May 12th of this year, Charles and Fritz celebrated 65 years of marriage. Together, they raised five children and moved across the country and to various points around the globe following Charles‘ military assignments. In addition to being a military wife, Alfreda showed her own patriotism working at the Pentagon, National Atomic Agency, and retiring with 30 years of service with the Department of Defense. In 1960, Fritz was diagnosed with breast cancer, had a radical mastectomy and underwent radiation treatment at Walter Reed Military Hospital in Washington DC. Witnessing her unfaltering positive attitude and contagious cheerfulness, the staff at the hospital enlisted Fritz‘s help to counsel other patients undergoing similar treatments. Fritz was a 50-year breast cancer survivor, but due to the aggressive nature of breast cancer treatments used in the 1960‘s, Fritz endured heart, lung, and other health problems the remainder of her life. Throughout her tribulations, Fritz relied on an unwavering belief in God and remained more concerned with the welfare of others than with her own struggles. Even when undergoing painful treatments, Fritz ended with a thank you and a smile that could light up a room for whatever doctor, nurse or family member had been helping her. She was truly an inspiration to all and the very essence of kindness and compassion. She embodied the spirit of Christmas and her Catholic faith throughout her life: She was selfless, giving, joyous and loving. Fritz was preceded in death by three brothers and two sisters; daughter, Charlene Gilbert; and granddaughter, Allison. She is survived by her husband Charles, daughter Colleen and (Donn) Hiltbrunner of Whispering Pines; son Kenneth and (Julie) Kern of Baltimore, Ohio; daughter Corky and (Richard) Frye of Pinehurst; daughter Chris and (Mike) Dixon of Pinehurst; son-in-law Gary Gilbert; grandchildren: Sean, Mickey, Aaron, David, Cassie, Samantha, Ryan, Austin, Kristopher and Abby and great-grandchildren Gabby, Hailey, Carly, Elizabeth and Megan. Mom, our love for you will never wane; your “Oh, Dear” and loving smile will be with us always. Details regarding memorial services and inurnment are pending at Boles Funeral Home. Alfreda‘s final resting place will be Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.