Elmer (Cotton) Kern, son of the late Al Kern and Rose (Westrich) Kern was born on February 25, 1937 in New Hamburg, Missouri and departed his life on Thursday, March 12, 2026 at his residence in New Hamburg at the age of 89 years.

He was a former truck driver for Halter Gas Company in Oran for 30 years and a member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church in New Hamburg. Cotton was also a member of St. Joseph Sodality and Knights of Columbus Council #4311 serving as a past Grand Knight. He played on the Schindler’s 1967 state champion fast pitch softball team and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. Mr. Kern loved going on tractor rides with his family along with hunting and fishing. He was always up for an interesting game of Euchre.

On September 15, 1962 he was united in marriage to Patricia Landewee. Mrs. Kern survives of the home in New Hamburg.

Along with his wife, Pat Kern, survivors include four sons, Michael (Laura) Kern, Dale Kern, Dennis (Kelly) Kern, and Neal Kern all of New Hamburg; five grandchildren, Lindsay (Eric) Essner, Alicia Kern (Luke Wilhite), Thomas (Kristen) Kern, Anna (Jake) Wagner, and Alex Kern; four great-granddaughters; two brothers, Donald (Cheryl) Kern of Chaffee and Al” Otto” (Bernice) Kern of New Hamburg; two sisters, Georgianna Bennett of New Hamburg, and Carol (Floyd) Klipfel of Oran; also, by other relatives and friends.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Robert Kern; three sisters, Charlene Steger, Barbara Kern and Joan Kern; also, by two brother-in-laws, Richard Bennett and Shelby Steger

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at the Saint Lawrence

Parrish Center from 4:00 until 8:00 PM with Rosary Prayers at 4:00 PM and

Knights of Columbus service to follow. Eucharistic Celebration will be held

on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 10:00 AM in Saint Lawrence Catholic Church with Rev. Daniel Belken officiating. Interment will follow in the Saint Lawrence Cemetery.

Family request that in lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. Judes Children’s Hospital. Envelopes will be provided by Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapels.

Online Condolences: www.amick-burnetfuneralchapels.com