Betty (Sundby) Kern

Betty (nee: Sundby) Kern, 90, passed away on January 28, 2011, at Wheaton Franciscan –All Saints Hospital. She was born in Halvrimmen, Denmark, on November 29, 1920, to the late Andrew and Anna (nee: Christensen) Sundby.

Betty and her family immigrated to the United States in 1924 and grew up in West Racine. She was a proud member of the Good Writers Club at the former Howell Grade School and lettered in field hockey at Park High School. On Labor Day, 1940, Betty and her sister Dagmar met their future husbands, Alfred and Orville, (also known as the “nice boys”) at Douglas Park. Al enlisted in the US Air Force in World War II and Betty anxiously awaited his safe return. On November 17, 1945, she was united in marriage to Alfred E Kern. He preceded her in death on September 9, 1993.

Betty was employed for many years at Employers Insurance of Wausau. She also belonged to the infamous Summit Avenue Neighborhood Club. Betty and Al took several memorable trips to Hawaii and, following Al’s death, she continued her world travels with her son, Richard. In addition to traveling, Betty loved baking! She always found time to make our favorite Danish Christmas cookies, poppy seed cake with custard filling and cheesecake. As her health began to fail, Betty still found enjoyment in her home with frequent catalog shopping (clothes, of course), watching Lawrence Welk reruns and indulging in her nightly bowls of ice cream and morning ritual of donuts.

Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Richard A. and Sandra Kern of Waunakee, WI; two daughters and sons-in-law, Patricia J. and Edward Hartman of Racine, Elizabeth A. and Steven Pesek of Yakima, WA; six grandchildren, Tara (Kent) Dull, Nikki (John) Hanzel; Kimberly (Scott) Johnson, Brian Hartman, Sean Pesek and Jacob Pesek, her eight great-grandchildren; other relatives and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred; her sister, Dagmar; and her brother, Roy.

We have always been in awe of Betty’s generous and kind spirit . Although her journey on earth has ended, she will never be forgotten.

Funeral services will be held at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 2219 Washington Ave., on Monday, January 31, 2011, at 10 a.m., with Rev. Tracy Polzin officiating. Entombment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Sunday from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. and at the church Monday from 9:30 a.m. until time of service.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine (262) 634-7888