Published: November 07, 2009 08:52 pm      

Jennifer Jo Kern

June 8, 1987-Nov. 6, 2009

Jennifer Jo Kern, 22, 61784 Amber Meadows Drive, Goshen, died Friday at her home.

She was born June 8, 1987, in Goshen to Dennis and Carolyn (Taylor) Kern. They survive, along with two brothers, Jason (Jennifer Cross), McDonough, Ga., and Joel (Naomi Rice-Smucker), Carol Stream, Ill.; grandparents Bill and Rolene Taylor, Goshen, Shirley and Frank Palmer, St. James City, Fla., and Edward and Pat Kern, Kendallville; and boyfriend Donald Patmore, Warsaw.

A 2006 graduate of Goshen High School, Jennifer had been a phlebotomy student at Ivy Tech, Elkhart, and was in her fourth year of nursing studies at Indiana University South Bend. She developed a passion for the medical field in part due to her experience growing up with a rare condition called cyclic vomiting syndrome, along with abdominal migraines.

Jennifer was a member of First United Methodist Church, Mishawaka; she grew up attending First United Methodist Church and the Life Center, both in Goshen. She did extensive volunteer work at Riley hospital in Indianapolis, volunteered at Lakewood Summer Camp in Wolcottville and went on several mission trips. Jennifer loved to laugh, shop, entertain, watch movies and spend time with family.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at First United Methodist Chruch, 201 E. Third St., Mishawaka, and for one hour prior to Wednesday’s 10:30 a.m. service at the church. Rev. Larry Whitehead, pastor of the church, will officiate. Cremation will take place following services.

Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. Eighth St., Mishawaka, is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions may be made to the Jennifer Kern Memorial Fund, c/o Dennis and Carolyn Kern, 61784 Amber Meadows Drive, Goshen, IN 46528. To leave the family an online condolence or to share memories with the family, please visit the Web site at www.hahnfuneralhomes.com.