Erik A. Kern

Vassar, MI

Erik Alan Kern, 16, of Vassar Michigan, passed away suddenly, September 5th, 2026, as a result of a tragic auto accident. Erik was filled with energy, always found a friend wherever he went and had an infectious smile that he passed onto others.

Member of St. Lorenz Church, Frankenmuth Clay Target league shooting trap and skeet, the Fox Club of Frankenmuth, the Michigan High School Rodeo team participating in trap and rifle, a youth member of the Frankenmuth Conservation Club and the Saginaw County 4-H.

Erik enjoyed everything with the outdoors including hunting, snowmobiling, riding his dirt bike, shooting sports and hanging with friends both adults and kids. He was the happiest when he could be behind the wheel of a tractor. Erik qualified for clay target states competition as well as the national competition and traveled to Iowa, Wyoming and Nebraska to compete in rifle and trap as a part of the Michigan High School Rodeo team. He participated in his earlier years wrestling with the Vassar Scrappers and the Frankenmuth wrestling team. He also played baseball during his freshman year at Vassar High School, but what he was known most of all was for his assistance in repaving many county roads with his truck.

Surviving are his parents, Kenny Kern, Melissa Kern, sister and brother-in-law Makayla and Corbin Boensch, nephew and niece Mason and McKinley. Grandparents Larry and Barb Kern and Maria Bierlein. Uncles and Aunts Chris (Heather) Bierlein, Stacey (Jeremy) Kukulski and Bobby Kern. He was surrounded in love also by his special cousins and his great aunts and uncles.

Erik was preceded in death by his Papa, Darwin Bierlein, Great Grandma and Grandpa Gerald and Francis Bierlein, Great Grandma Mary Geyer, Great Grandma Lila Smith and Great-Great Grandma Wallace.

Funeral Service will take place on Monday, September 14, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Lorenz Lutheran Church, 1030 W. Tuscola, Frankenmuth, Michigan. Rev. Joel Kaiser will officiate. Erik’s family will receive visitors at Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth, 590 N. Franklin St. on Sunday, September 13th from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and Monday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Frankenmuth Clay Target League Scholarship Fund (made out to Frankenmuth Community Foundation-Erik Kern), Saginaw County Pheasants Forever, Frankenmuth Conservation Club, or a charity of your choice.