Elenore Marie Kern, 87, of Turtle Lake died on July 29, 2026, at The Deerfields in New Richmond, WI. She was born April 19, 1939, in Clear Lake, WI to Elmer and Marie (Wenberg) Ostenson.

Elenore graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1957. After graduation, she traveled to New York City and lived there for 2 years before moving back to the Midwest.

She was married in Almena, WI on May 14, 1960, to Clarence A. Kern, who preceded her in death on October 23, 2019. Elenore was a devoted wife, mother, and avid homemaker on their Turtle Lake family farm. She returned to work once the nest was empty. Shortly after retiring, Clarence had a stroke.

Elenore selflessly became his primary caregiver and advocate for 18 years. This did not stop them from traveling and wintering in Texas for 15 years and gaining their royalty status as the king and queen of Twin Lakes Park in Mission, TX.

She enjoyed tending her garden, canning her harvest, doing needlework, sewing, baking and decorating cakes, and spending time with her family. Cherished memories were made taking the grandchildren on camping trips and many other adventures. She made sure to maintain connections with all family members and ensured everyone felt cared for.

Elenore was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church, including the Women's group where she was the kitchen supervisor for the fall dinners, funeral luncheons, taught 7th grade CCD for many years, and was a lecturer at Sunday masses.

She is survived by her two sons: Joseph (Cary) Kern of New Richmond, WI and Richard (Nora) Kern of Milltown, WI; daughter, Betty (Mike) Bibeau of New Richmond, WI; five grandchildren: Mitchell Kern, Kelly (Cory) Peterson, Kevin (Sam) Kern, Dylan Kern and Chase Kern; great grandchildren; Brooklyn and Sawyer; brother, Ernest Ostenson of St Paul, MN; sister, Carol (Glenn) Koehler of Turtle Lake; brother-in-law, John Kern; many nieces, nephews and other family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Kern; grandson, Daren Bibeau; sisters: Barbara (Harold) Asp and June Nelson; and brother, Raymond "Glen" Ostenson.

Funeral services will be held at Monday, August 10, 2026, at 11 AM at St Ann Catholic Church, Turtle Lake, WI, with Fr. Chris Kemp officiating. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Almena, following the mass. A luncheon will follow the burial at St. Ann's Parish Hall in Turtle Lake.

Pallbearers are Mitchell Kern, Cory Peterson, Kelly Peterson, Kevin Kern, Dylan Kern, and Chase Kern. Visitation will be from Sunday, August 9, 2026, from 4-7 PM at Skinner Funeral Home in Turtle Lake, and one hour prior to the service. A Rosary will be held at 6:30 PM on Sunday.

Last Update: Jul 30, 2026 9:18 am CDT