Gene Kernall, 92, of Dubuque, passed away Thursday, March 28, at University of Iowa Hospital. Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2, at Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 John F. Kennedy Rd., Dubuque. Funeral Services will be at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 3, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church.

Gene was born August 1, 1931, in Grand Forks, North Dakota, the son of Morris L. and Mae (Johnson) Kernall. He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School.
Gene married Jean Kotz on April 23, 1955 at St. Paul Catholic Church, Worthington. She preceded him in death on April 30, 2016.

Gene was the manager of the Jewelry Department at Roshek’s Department Store, and then became an insurance agent for Metropolitan Life, until his retirement.

Gene was an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed archery, hunting, fishing, camping, canoeing, and took many trips to Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana. He also enjoyed traveling to many places with Jean. Jewelry design was a life-long passion for Gene, and he also had an interest in herpetology. He enjoyed watching boxing and the Hawkeyes. Gene was a curious person, who always wanted to learn something new. He loved a good poker game and a good brandy old-fashioned. In his later years, he took great joy in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and enjoyed relaxing on Karen and John’s deck. To say that Gene had the gift of gab would be an understatement! He was also very proud of his Norwegian heritage.

Those left to cherish his memory include three children, Karen (John) Freiburger, Scott (Rachel) Kernall, and Kris (Mary) Kernall; grandchildren, Michael (Shawna) Freiburger, Erin (Tony) Runde, Alexis (Jake Bohr) Avenarius, and Brandon Avenarius, and Ramsey (Mykenna) Kernall and Ty Kernall; his great-grandchildren, Charlie, Fiona, Claire, and Walker; his sister-in-law, Margaret Kotz; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; and his brothers, Alan, Glen, and Wayne Kernall.