SYRACUSE – Gloria Kern, 85, North Webster, passed away Jan. 8, 2014, in Mason Healthcare, Warsaw. She was born Oct. 1, 1928, in Syracuse, to Donald and Jane Burkhart LeCount. On Feb. 22, 1947, she married Phillip Kern, who preceded her in death in 2004. She started her first business in Syracuse, owning and operating a beauty shop on Ind. 13 after graduating from Fort Wayne Beauty College. In 1962, she and Phil purchased the North Webster Dairy Queen, which they ran for 18 years. She also had a wig shop, bakery and a pizza franchise in North Webster. After retirement, she and Phil lived in Meritt Island, Fla., in the winter months. She was a member of the Syracuse Church of God. Surviving are three sons: Michael and Kevin Kern, both of North Webster; and Greg Kern, Warsaw; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; three brothers; and three sisters. Services will be at a later date with burial in Syracuse Cemetery.
