Janice M. Kerns

Frankenmuth, MI

Devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away peacefully on August 14, 2021 at New Hope Bay Assisted Living; 90 years. Janice was born on August 6, 1931 in Saginaw, MI. She was married to William E. Kerns, who recently predeceased her, for nearly 66 blessed years. She was one of eleven children in the Harold and Arlene (Schnetzler) Ward family. She attended St. Mary's Cathedral School in Saginaw and earned her teaching degrees from Bay City Junior College and Central Michigan University.  She was predeceased by seven brothers and sisters, Ruth, Howard, Larry, Ralph, Chuck, Connie & Daniel and so many other family and friends.  It will be a blessed heavenly reunion – Alleluia – and her long-time card club girls have been waiting!

Janice began her nearly four-decade long teaching career in a one room, K-8 school house, and naturally loved the children.  After that and pausing to raise her own children, she taught 2nd grade in her later years in the Bridgeport Spaulding School District at Schluckebier and Schrah Elementary Schools.  She had great respect and admiration for her coworkers and district support staff and was very proud to work with them.  She touched the lives of many children and had great parental support.  All of this greatly enriched her life.  Janice instilled in her family, friends, and students that honesty, effort, and education were key to their success. Visits with family and friends were a highlight in her life. Her door was always open. Janice was a devout Roman Catholic her entire life and member of Blessed Trinity Catholic Church in Frankenmuth, MI whereby she took Communion to those in local nursing homes.

Surviving are her children and their spouses: Connie Bryce of Frankenmuth, MI, Mary Ellen (Jose) Lopez of Houston, TX, Laurie (Edward) Duckett of Lansing, MI, William (Jolene) Kerns of Rogers City, MI, and Phillip (Lisa) Kerns of Frankenmuth, MI; ten grandchildren: Carrie (Tyler), Marybeth (Bryan), Jennifer, Joselynn (Cody), Josh (Theresa), Janni (Randy), Grant, Ellie, Mallory, and Wade; five great grandchildren; brother, Terry (Phyllis) Ward and sisters Joan (Chuck) Bumpus and Mary (Kirk) Curtis with numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

A private memorial will take place at a later date. The family would like to thank the staff at New Hope Bay for their loving care of Janice as well as a dear friend, Carol Keinath, for her friendship and visits in the past several years. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a donation to their church or a charity of their choice.

Arrangements entrusted to Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth. Please sign our guestbook or share an online condolence with the family at www.cederbergfh.com.