Donald L. "Donnie" Jern

Donald L."Donnie" Jern, age 54, of Oquawka, IL., passed away peacefully in his sleep at his Oquawka residence on Sunday, August 31, 2014. Donnie was born on May 25, 1960 in Monmouth, Illinois and is the son of Kenneth R. and Mary Beaucrem Jern. He was raised in Oquawka and attended Henderson County Schools and graduated from Union High School with the class of 1978. He was first married to Cindy Faulkner and later was married to Pamela Brown on June 9, 2000 and later in the year 2006. She is surviving. Donnie first owned Kock's Paint Store in Burlington, Iowa for some five years, and then was employed as a lathe operator in various tool shops in the area up to when he became disabled. He enjoyed very much the game of golf and hangin' out with his buddies and havin' a cold one. He is a true Iowa Hawkeyes fan and also was a fan of Chicago Cubs baseball. He is survived by his wife, Pam Jern of Oquawka, IL.; his father, Kenneth Jern of Oquawka, IL.; step children, Carrie Brown of Peoria, IL.; Corey Bjorling of Oneida, IL.; and Chris Rabe of Oquawka, IL. There are three step grandchildren, Alicia, Andrew and Aric also surviving. His brother, Dennis ( Vicki ) Jern of DesMoines, IA. also is surviving. He is preceded in his death by his mother, Mary Jern, Paternal and Maternal grandparents, and several aunts and uncles. Services:Cremation rites are being accorded. A gathering of his family and friends from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm is planned on Sunday, September 6, 2014 at the Gladstone Community Center in Gladstone, Illinois. Bring a desert dish to pass. A memorial fund is being established by his family and will be designated at a later date. Turnbull Funeral Home in Oquawka is in charge of the arrangements.