Michael Elliot Kern

Kern, Michael Elliot 32, of Coral Springs FL was granted his angel wings on June 16, 2015 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He passed away peaceful at home surrounded by his loving family. Michael, a devoted historian and self-proclaimed bookworm, received his Bachelor's degree from the University of South Florida. Upon graduation, he moved to Washington, D.C. and earned a Master's Degree (with honors) in History from The George Washington University. He maintained an internship at the Smithsonian Institution's National Air & Space Museum (NASM) and was privileged to participate in both NASM's "Pioneers of Flight" exhibit and the National Postal Museum's "Mail Call" exhibit. Michael was employed by the National History Day Foundation, managing the Normandy Scholars Institute, escorting secondary school groups to study firsthand the WWII D-Day Invasion. Lastly, Michael was attending Auburn University, Auburn AL. to pursue his P.h.D. in Aviation Technology. Michael was survived by his loving parents Stanley and Brenda Kern, his beloved sister, Jennifer, and brother-in-law Zach Smith. Michael's kind heart, warm smile and open generosity touched all who knew him. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the wonderful friends whose support has meant so much. Visitation will be Sunday, June 21, 2015 from 5:00pm - 7:00pm at Garden of Memories Funeral Home 4207 E. Lake Ave., Tampa, FL 33610. A celebration of Michael's life will be held Monday, June 22, 2015 in Tampa, FL at 12:00 noon at Garden of Memories Funeral Home followed by burial at Garden of Memories Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Wounded Warrior Project, a charity Michael was proud to support.