Frank Daniel “Dan” Kern, 82, of Galesburg, Illinois, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2025.
Born on January 17, 1943, in Evanston, Illinois, Dan was the son of Frank and Adele Kern. He grew up in Galesburg, graduating from Galesburg High School in 1960 before serving in the Illinois Army National Guard. He dedicated much of his career to Gale Products, a division of Outboard Marine Corporation (OMC), where he worked for many years during Galesburg’s golden era of manufacturing.
Dan is survived by his three sons, Jeff Kern of Galesburg, Brian (Sara) Kern of Schaumburg, and Nathan (Kristi) Kern of Abingdon, along with his grandchildren, Natalee, Sophia, and Camden. He is also survived by his siblings, Jim Kern of Galesburg, Mary Waller of Racine, WI, Cheryl Stegall of Knoxville, and Julie (John) Palmgren of Galesburg, as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Debbie Kern, and two brothers-in-law, Ronald Waller and Jeff Stegall. He was also preceded in death by his first former wife, Donna Pickrel (nee Thompson), mother of Jeff, and is survived by his second former wife, Pam Hutchcroft (nee Stafford), mother of Brian and Nathan. Dan maintained good relationships with both.
He was a lifelong golf enthusiast whose passion for the game began in his youth while caddying at Soangetaha Country Club. He later competed in the Gale Products Golf League, winning multiple times, and even worked on golf clubs for friends and fellow players. He regularly played golf at Bunker Links Golf Course, where he recorded two, hole-in-ones and also spent time working there as a Starter.
He cherished trips to Chicago with his sons, attending major golf tournaments like the 2006 PGA Championship, the 2012 Ryder Cup, and the 2019 BMW Golf Championship, as well as countless Bulls, Bears, and Cubs games.
Dan will be cremated, and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date for family and friends to gather in his memory. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Peoria, Knox-Warren Counties. Online condolences may be offered at www.h-p-w.com
