Kern was born in North Dakota on November 15, 1954 to Norman and Mary Ann (Schroeder) Otteson. He grew up on Salem, Oregon where Kern's dad owned and operated a gas station. As soon as he was old enough, he started helping his dad. He cleaned windshields, checked oil, and pumped gas. As the years went by, his dad taught Kern the art of mechanical repair of cars and trucks. Kern enjoyed learning and working as a mechanic. He eventually ended up working as a mechanic for a Mercedes Benz dealer for years.

Around 1993 Kern and his wife, Shirley, moved to a small town in Eastern South Dakota. Kern enjoyed pheasant hunting and became a guide for pheasant hunters. When the hunting season closed for the year, Kern would work at South Dakota Developmental Center as a cook. He worked there until he retired. Kern took great pride in his work. He had a great love for cats and dogs. He trained two of his cats to walk on a leash. He raised Scottie dogs and trained them to hunt Pheasants.

Deadwood became Kern's home in 2017. He moved to Deadwood with Kris Foreman to help take care of her mother.

He is survived by his friend and companion Kris Foreman, his mother, Mary Ann, two brothers, one sister, two sons, and two grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his dad and his wife.

Graveside services will be offered on Monday, June 9, 2025 at 10:00am at Oak Ridge Cemetery near Deadwood.