Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
Donn Kernan age 82 of Waterford, WI died peacefully February 25, 2022, with family at his side following a battle with Alzheimer's disease. He was born January 12, 1940, in Aurora, WI to Thomas and Marion Kernan. Donn and his wife Kimberly Drager were married on December 23, 1961.
Donn valued his family and childhood memories from Aurora, WI and created many more memories while engaged with family and friends during his adult life in and around Tichigan, WI. Family could always count on Donn providing support and encouragement. His grateful children and grandchildren often benefitted from Donn’s energy, interest, efforts, and resources in times of need. Donn was quick to invest in children’s and grandchildren’s lives.
While family was always a top priority, Donn and his wife Kim maintained vibrant relationships with friends, yielding countless hours of laughs and stories throughout the years. Encounters with Donn, whether family, friend, or stranger, were frequently initiated with a quick quip or comment eliciting laughter from all. His level of enjoyment from social encounters were second to none, spare his beloved son Jason who usually accompanied Donn.
Perhaps his greatest recreational passion was grouse hunting (always with family or friends), amongst the brush beating coulees of central Wisconsin or across countless poplar and alder stands of northern Wisconsin. Donn was also a great fan of various sports, whether spectating or participating. Donn was known to be a rather aggressive supporting spectator for his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events, and he himself continued to run, bike, and golf well into his 70s. He also enjoyed many volunteering hours through coaching youth softball/baseball teams, schoolboard member, Special Olympics, and an active member of the Tichigan Lions Club since 1969.
Donn is survived by his children: Kerry (Jim) Malczewski of Oshkosh; Shawn Aker of Bristol; and Jason Kernan of Kansasville; grandchildren: Jessica (Patty) Selligmiller, Jamie (Beth) Kernan, Katie (Craig) Herrell, Matthew (Breanna) Malczewski, Ben Aker, Rachel Aker, Adam Aker, Seth Aker, Adriana Malczewski, Emma Malczewski; great-grandchildren: Jordan, Molly, Sadie, Thomas, Penny, Connor, Nina, and Rose.
Donn was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Marion Kernan; wife, Kim Kernan; brothers, Keith and Tom Kernan.
A celebration of life will be held March 27, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Tichigan Lions Civic Center 6710 Big Bend Rd Waterford, WI. Mueller Funeral Home-Winneconne, WI is assisting the family.
If you wish please submit online condolences to muellerfh.net.
Corrie Da Vera Cruz wrote on March 27, 2022
I’m so sorry for this loss. Uncle Donn was a great and amazing man. Always helpful and doing good things for family and friends. I’m glad to have been able to know him and will miss him. Deepest condolences to his family and friends. Sending love ??