Dennis D. Kern

Dennis David Kern, 53, of Mesa, AZ passed away on May 19, 2015 after being diagnosed with liver and pancreatic cancer less than a month ago. He was born on May 18, 1962 in Honolulu, HI to Alfred and Iris [Matthews] Kern and later moved to Pittsburgh, PA where he grew up. As a boy, Dennis led an adventurous life, with his best friend and brother, Roy. Dennis put some of those adventures to “good” by becoming an Eagle Scout. His little sister, Tara interjected in the “boy fun” when she was born and may have experienced some “loving taunting.”

Dennis attended the University of Pittsburgh, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1986. In the fall of 1986, Dennis attended the University of Michigan, Business School graduating with an MBA in 1988. In December of 1988, Dennis married the love of his life, Loraine. The two ended up in Arizona after begin transferred through McDonald Douglas. His last job was with General Dynamics as a Program Manager working to provide hand held communication systems for the Army.

Dennis was a devoted and loving family man who was proud of both of his children Nolan (23) and Brea (22). Those who attended the “Costume Ball” heard how he felt about Loraine while “rocking” a zombie bride costume. They truly loved each other.

Over the last two years Dennis took on a new passion, attending Comic-Con in San Diego with his children. He also enjoy hiking, nature, the zoo, botanical gardens, the science center, woodworking, skiing, kayaking, art festivals, learning meditation and eating sushi with Annie. He was always game for roller coasters and beach vacations where he could leisurely read a sci-fi book, surf, just jump the waves, or just relax on the beach.

Dennis enjoyed unwinding while doing manual labor or reading and experimenting with Program Design. He was more than a handy man, no task was too large to take on. One could be assured that it was done correctly and attention was spent on details. Many times, he took on the “Honey Do” lists of our wonderful friends.

Dennis is survived by his beloved wife and best friend, Loraine Kern; son Nolan Kern; daughter Brea Kern; parents Alfred and Iris Kern; brother A. Roy (Lori) Kern; sister Tara Kern (Pete) Rose; mother-in-law Elinor James Forkus; father-in-law Mickey (M.J.) Forkus; sisters-in-law Michele (Michael) Szewczyk and Kristine (Kevin) Kolarosky; brother-in-law Patrick (Melissa) Conley and his nieces and nephews A. Rod Kern and Darby Kern, Jake and Ryan Rose, Samantha and Zachary Szewczyk and Ryleigh and Trevor Kolarosky. He was preceded in death by one nephew, Michael Szewczyk.

Dennis left this world with a full heart. He had no apologies nor regrets. The people Dennis LOVED knew and felt it. During the last days in the hospital, Dennis said he had “totally redefined success as to how your family and friends show up for you.”

Dennis’ passion for living was contagious. We are in awe and proud of how he LIVED his life and are appreciative of the time we had to spend with such an extraordinary man. He made us better, kinder, gentler human beings. His contagious smile and laughter will be greatly missed. The world is a better place because of Dennis.

If you have a story about Dennis you would like to share, please do so in writing. These would be precious gifts to his family.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Phoenix Zoo or The Phoenix Desert Botanical Gardens in Dennis’ name.

OR “Pay it forward” OR do a random act of kindness in honor of Dennis.

A Celebration of Life in honor of Dennis will be held Saturday, June 27, 2015, 7PM at Las Sendas Golf Club-Vista Pavilion- 7555 East Eagle Crest Drive, Mesa Arizona 85207. Please come ready to share stories, memories, joy, laughter and sadness.

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal"