Mark Steven Kern , August 18, 1956 — April 11, 2018

Mark Steven Kern Born August 18, 1956 to Raymond and Janet (Moore) Kern passed away on April 11, 2018. Mark was 61 years old. His parents, who lovingly cared for him their entire lives, preceded Mark in death.

Mark is survived by his siblings, Sandy (Steve) Babbitt, Marcia (Joe) Steltz and Gary (LuAnn) Kern. Mark has 5 nieces and one nephew and 4 great-nieces. His uncles Otto Kern and Ronald Moore, his aunt Joyce Becton and numerous cousins also survive Mark.

Mark graduated… Read More » from Michigan State University with a master’s degree in social work. He was a sports fan and enjoyed watching the MSU Spartans. Mark liked to talk about music, politics and history.

He enjoyed reminiscing about old family stories. He was a dog lover and especially loved his parents’ dog Scooter who was a devoted friend to him. Mark was injured in a pool accident in 1970 that left him a quadriplegic for the rest of his years.

Mark was 15 years old when he was injured making him one of the longest surviving quadriplegics in the United States given the young age of his injury. This was due to Mark’s fierce will and tenacity and the devotion of his parents who set an amazing example of how to love a child. Over the years friends and family have showed kindness to Mark and our family; for that we are very grateful.

We thank the many friends, neighbors, community groups like Meals on Wheels, doctors, nurses and aides who cared for Mark through the years. Mark was faced with many challenges in his life. He lived with great pain and daily struggles of every day living.

His family shares these struggles, for a tragedy doesn’t happen in isolation. Mark’s life shaped our lives and we will tenderly carry that for the rest of our days. We will carry sorrow for a life of struggle that Mark endured.

We carry empathy for those who face physical and mental disabilities. We carry compassion for people and families that deal with addiction. We carry admiration and appreciation for people who fight for life and those they love.

In lieu of flowers or donations, we ask that you offer kindness to people who are struggling. We ask that you work to remember that you never know the battle that someone is fighting. We thank God that Mark is no longer in pain and has rejoined his beloved parents in heaven.

The family will have a private ceremony for Mark. To share memories or condolences please visit www.

If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.