Theodore 'Ted' Kern Obituary Theodore 'Ted' John Kern Jr., 77, passed away on December 16, 2024, with his daughters by his side, at Essentia Health - St. Joseph's Medical Center. A graveside service with military honors will be held at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls on Monday, December 23, 2024, at 2pm. Family and friends are invited to gather at Nelson-Doran Funeral Home in Brainerd for a visitation from 11am -1pm prior to the service. Ted was born March 6, 1947, to Theodore John Sr. and Alice (Youngs) Kern in Portland, Oregon. After graduating from Gaylord High in Minnesota, Ted joined the Army and served from 1966 to 1968. After the military he held a few different jobs driving; semitruck, ambulance, and drove patients to appointments. Ted retired at the age of 62 years old. Ted enjoyed his retirement by traveling with his wife, Nancy. He enjoyed watching the Lucus Oil NHRA Nationals for the last 20 years, sitting in the same chairs, with the same people around. He was a NASCAR fan. He attended some races but most memorable was driving to Florida for the Daytona 500. And he was an avid Vikings fan, win or lose, tracking each game and final scores during each season. He also watched the Oregon Ducks games. Left to cherish his memory are daughters; Elizabeth Pascua (Jeremiah Gunnerson), Becki (Ed) Henagin; grandchildren, Teresita (Alan) Beacham, Mike Aflleje, Chase (Danielle) Henagin, Alex (Jasmine) Grondin, Keona Pascua, Kailene Pascua, Ethan Henagin, Karissa Pascua; four great-grandchildren, Lily Aflleje, Logan and Lily Henagin, and Isaac Grondin; sisters, Liz (Bill) Reich, Fran Rombough, Tess Clark, and brother, Mark (Peggy) Kern; along with many nieces and nephews, and other family members. He is proceeded in death by his parents; in-laws, Richard & Betty Lueken; wife, Nancy Carkhuff-Kern; infant granddaughter, Keira Pascua; stepson, Mac Carkhuff; brother, Stephen Kern; sister and brother-in-law, Mary Jo & Ron Meyers; brothers-in-law, Carl Rombough and Leonard Clark.