Shirley Ellen Kern

Shirley E. Kern, 86, joined the Church Triumphant early Wednesday morning, January 13, 2021 and will now enjoy eternal happiness with God. She was born on December 7, 1934, and was the daughter of Victor and Victoria Kern. Shirley graduated from Concordia Lutheran High School. Following graduation, she spent a year working at the Allen County Library. She earned her education degree at Concordia Teachers College, River Forest, IL and later received a Master's Degree in Education from St. Francis College in Fort Wayne. She proudly served as teacher for the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod at Trinity (Sawyer, MI), Central Lutheran (New Haven, IN) and Emmanuel-St. Michael Lutheran School (Fort Wayne). Her own Christian education was a valuable part of her life and felt she wanted to share Christ's love with others. Fort Wayne, the West Central neighborhood, and Emmanuel Lutheran Church played an important part in her life. She was especially fond of worshiping with her Emmanuel family, attending Bible classes, and serving on Parish Life committees, Altar Guild, and Greeters. Shirley had a passion for reading and sharing that love with the children of Emmanuel-St. Michael School. After retiring she spent another 20+ years helping staff the school library. Shirley is survived by her brother, David (Fran) of Port Charlotte, FL; nephews, Paul (Alicia) of Austin, TX, and Michael (Jennifer) of Port Charlotte, FL; great-nieces, Kayla Kern and Elizabeth Kern; cousin, Ned (Roberta) Foust; and a host of faithful friends. Due to COVID concerns, a private funeral service is at 11:00 a.m. on January 22 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 917 West Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne 46802. Burial will follow at Concordia Cemetery Gardens. There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to the Emmanuel Lutheran Food Bank or Emmanuel-St. Michael Library Fund in care of the church address. The service can be viewed on youtube.com by putting in Emmanuel Lutheran Church Fort Wayne Indiana. This will take you to a page of churches. Click on Emmanuel Lutheran Church and that will take you to Emmanuel’s page where you will be able to view the service. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.klaehnfahlmeltonfunerals.com for the Kern family.