On Sunday, 19 September 2021, Helmut Martin Kern, loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away peacefully at age 90 in Spring Hill, FL.
Helmut was born 5 September 1931 and raised in Hersbruck, Germany, a small town northeast of Nuernberg. He stayed in close touch with his childhood friends throughout his life. He emigrated to the United States, arriving on Christmas Eve 1953. He proudly became a United States Citizen. He served in the United States Air Force.
He married his beloved wife Barbara in 1956. He worked as a manager at Butler & Smith, and later Paquet Onieda with Dr. Peter Adams. He was a life-long motorcycle enthusiast. He was lead mechanic on the BMW Superbike team in the mid-1970’s. He enjoyed golf, was an avid fan of Formula 1 racing and German National and Bundesliga soccer. He was active in the Spring Hill FL German-American Club, where he enjoyed many friendships.
Helmut was preceded in death by his mother Betty, father Leonhard, wife Barbara, and sister Erika Latsch. He is survived by his children Jo-Anne and Yvonne (husband Louis); grandchildren Nicholas (wife Taylor), Katarina (fiancé Dylan), and Bryan; close family Tina Maher, Richard and MaryJane Mennella, and Carolyn Black; and close friend Rose-Marie Nuehlen.
The family plans a celebration of life service in the coming weeks. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in memory of Helmut.
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