Ronald 'Ron' Raymond Kern, 65, passed away December 1, 2020, due to complications from Covid-19.  He was born November 25, 1955, in Hutchinson, to Raymond George and Norma Jean (Ford) Kern.

Ron was a 1973 graduate of Hutchinson High School.  He was a member of Church of the Holy Cross, Hutchinson.  Hutchinson was always home to Ron.  He helped bring pride to his hometown through his athleticism.  As a young swimmer, Ron set several Missouri Valley Amateur Athletic Union records throughout his high school career.  Upon his signing with the University of Kansas, the swim coach acknowledged that Ron had the fastest time in the 50-yard and 100-yard freestyle ever swum by a high school student in the state of Kansas.

Ron was an avid sports fan of Hutchinson Community College Blue Dragons, the National Junior College Athletic Association Basketball Tournament, University of Kansas Jayhawks, and Kansas State Wildcats.

He is survived by:  siblings, Jerry (Nance) Kern of Mason, OH, Barbara (Jim) Pearson of Grove OK, Linda Swank of Lawrence, KS, Pat (Sam) Banker of Ozawkie, KS, Mary Beth Hartwell of Deltaville, VA, and Connie (Rob) Kimpler of Wichita, KS;  maternal aunts, Ruth Ann Spitzer, Kathy Young, and Debbie Ford, all of Hutchinson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ron was preceded in death by his loving parents, Raymond and Norma Kern.

The family wishes to thank all those who cared for him in Hutchinson, McPherson Health and Rehab, as well as end-of-life support by caregivers of Good Shepherd Hospice.

Cremation has taken place.  Burial was in Memorial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson.

Condolences may be sent to the Kern family, in care of Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.