Thelma Fern (Hooker) Kerns

Thelma Fern Kerns, 93, of Crystal Lake passed away on October 20, 2022.   She was born on a farm in Plevna, KS on April 1, 1929, to George and Letha Hooker, one of eight children.

She served 2 ½ years in the Navy in WAVES - Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service -- a division of the U.S. Navy created during World War II to free up male personnel for sea duty.  During this time, she worked in the photo lab in Alameda, CA.

Fern married Harlan Kerns on May 21, 1954.  Together they raised three children, Stanley, Alan, and DeeAnn.

Fern worked for Carlson Lab., Arlington Heights for 32 years.  She enjoyed sewing and making crafts.

Survivors include two children, W. Alan (Janice) Kerns of Burton Bridge, and DeeAnn (Michael) Peat of Island Lake; her sister, Marie Castle of Hutchinson, KS; daughter-in-law, Michelle Lahey; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Fern was preceded in death by her husband, Harlan, on December 7, 2006; her son, Stanley on March 9, 2014; her three brothers, Charles, John, and George Hooker; and three sisters, Frances Beitler, Myrtle Hooker, and Ida Mae Gisick.

A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, November 19, from 2 until 4pm at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake.