Robert Kern

Robert Douglas Kern, 86 of Charlevoix, Michigan, passed away peacefully into Eternal Life on June 14th, 2023 with his loving and devoted wife Joyce of 38 years by his side. Life began for Robert “Bob” on July 11, 1936 in Oakwood Ohio, the town he remembered fondly and where his formative years were spent. Bob attended the University of Dayton where he would receive a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and for a period of time was a member of the Ohio Air National Guard.

 In the 1980’s Bob made what proved to be a most pivotal and defining decision moving to the northern Michigan coastal community of Charlevoix where he would meet the love of his life. It was also was in Charlevoix, and the neighboring towns, that Bob established himself as a successful business and community leader as well as being a leading real estate professional contributing more than 40 years of sales and management experience. Bob started the Local Rotary Club in 1985 with assistance from the Petoskey Club, where he served as President and was named a Paul Harris Fellow. Over many decades as a resident, Bob served the Charlevoix community on numerous boards and committees including but not limited to; the Charlevoix Industrial Development Committee, the Charlevoix Board of Appeals, the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Venetian Festival Board of Directors.  Bob served the Charlevoix Chamber of Commerce in numerous capacities over the years acting as; Director, Second Vice President, President and Past President. In addition Bob was once named Ambassador of the Year.  In acknowledgement of his leadership, excellence and contributions throughout his career, first with Robert D. Kern Realty followed by successfully launching a Real Estate One office in Charlevoix, the National Association of Realtors honored Bob as Realtor Emeritus.

 Bob enjoyed spending time with his family and friends while relaxing on the deck or around the fire pit he built in the back yard. Earlier in life frequent rounds of golf and trips to Beaver Island were common. As the years passed by the enjoyment of listening to Dixieland jazz dancing together with his sweetheart Joyce, or rooting for his Ohio State Buckeyes seated in his special chair, never diminished.

Bob is survived by his devoted wife Joyce; children James (Theresa) Kern of Oakwood, Ohio, Kristen (Alan) Wright of Surgoinsville, Tennessee, Kevin (Renee) Frabis of Macomb Township, Jennifer (William) Danforth of Royal Oak, and grandchildren; Felicia, Abigail, Tyler, Addison, Cameron, Jack, and Meredith.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents James and Grace (Lamp) Kern, son Jason Wallace Frabis and grandson David Kevin Frabis.

Visitation hours will be held on Friday, July 7^th from 4:00-8:00PM at Mortensen Funeral Home with a rosary service at 7:00PM. A funeral mass will be on Saturday, July 8^th at 11:00AM at St. Mary’s Church in Charlevoix.

All charitable donations can be made on Bob’s behalf to the American Heart Association or the Charlevoix Venetian Festival.

Arrangements are in the care of the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com