Obit: Kernz, Philip J. (1920 - 1984)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Kernz, Kovach, Keane, Witkowski, Stankey, Henseler

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 1/19/1984

Kernz, Philip J. (20 December 1920 – 15 January 1984) With Flag

Philip J. Kernz, a farmer in the Town of York for many years, died in St. Joseph’s Hospital, Marshfield, on Sunday evening, January 15. Kernz, 63, made his home at Rt. 4 Neillsville, at the time of his death.

The deceased was born on December 20, 1920, in Rauch, Minnesota, to Joseph and Mary (Kovach) Kernz. He received his education at various schools in Wisconsin, graduating from Neillsville High School in 1938. He then worked on a farm in Owatonna, Minnesota. In late January of 1944, he entered the Army Air Force, attaining the rank of staff sergeant by the time of his return home in late March of 1946.

On May 1, 1946, he married Irene Keane in Owatonna ceremonies. The couple then moved to a Town of York farm, which they operated until retiring about one year ago. He was a member of St. Mary’s parish and the Knights of Columbus.

Surviving him, besides his wife, are five daughters, Sister Phyllis Kernz SSND of Bloomer, Mrs. David (Theresa) Witkowski of Stevens Point, Mrs. Tom (Jeanne) Stankey of Cottage Grove and Susan Kernz and Kristin Kernz, both of Neillsville; three sons, William, and Richard, both of Neillsville, and Edward of Burlington; and his mother of Neillsville. They are joined by three brothers, Joseph and Tony, both of Neillsville, and Rudy of Homosassa, Florida; and four grandchildren. He was deceased by his father.

Funeral services were to be held today (Thursday, January 19) at 10:30 a.m. from St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Neillsville with the Rev. Joseph Henseler officiating, with burial to be made in the parish cemetery. (The body was to lie in state at the Gesche Funeral Home on Wednesday from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. and again on Thursday morning until 10:00 a.m. General rosary was scheduled for 7:15 p.m., Wednesday, with Knights of Columbus rosary at 8:00 p.m.)