MaryAnn Kern (Dietz), 93, of Laramie, Wyoming went home to be with our Lord on September 20, 2022. She was born February 16, 1929, in Pierce, Colorado to Jacob and Mary (Seibel) Dietz and grew up a farmer’s daughter in Wheatland, Wyoming being the third out of seven children.
She Met the love of her life, Thomas L. Kern Sr., and they married January 14, 1947, in Wheatland but made their forever home in Laramie, Wyoming where they raised two boys, Thomas L. Kern, and Roy Kern and ran their electrical business.
On February 21, 1957, Tom and MaryAnn purchased the building at 808 Custer Street where they ran their electrical business, Kern Electric until October 13, 2006, when MaryAnn sold the building. There was not a day that MaryAnn was not at the shop, standing behind the counter playing cards, snapping her gum, dressed in high heels, skirt/slacks, and a nice blouse, with her hair done up flawlessly. She was the bookkeeper, she answered the phone, helped customers, and would wire or re-wire fixtures when needed. They also owned rental properties around Laramie and she and Tom would take part in doing the maintenance and repairs when needed.
On February 24,1965, Tom and Mary and purchased a tract of land in the Centennial Valley with a little pink house known as the cabin and on September 28, 1970, they purchased what is now the Kern Ranch in the Centennial Valley where she enjoyed fishing, long walks, and her family. She always made delicious meals she would serve in the bunkhouse where she would spend her weekends during the summer months. She made the best fried chicken EVER! She loved the ranch and her time there.
One of MaryAnn’s favorite hobbies was sewing, she loved to sew. She spent countless hours at her sewing machine making her grandchildren and herself outfits, sewing blankets and curtains, and mending a lot of jeans. She loved music and loved to sing and would share stories about her and her siblings singing in church when they were young, and she sang and hummed up until her passing.
Family and her heritage were especially important to her. She made countless trips to Wheatland, Douglas, Wyoming and Greeley, Colorado to visit her family and would do anything to support them. It was always interesting to hear she and her family communicate in German which she was able to speak until her last days. Her parents and siblings held a very special place in her heart, and she had a close relationship with them all. There was an extra special place in her heart for her boys who she was proud of, her daughters-in-law, her grandchildren and her great grandmother who all brought her so much joy.
MaryAnn is preceded in death by her husband Thomas L. Kern Sr., her parents Jacob Dietz and Mary (Seibel) Houseman, her stepfather Lyle Houseman and her stepmother, Ruth Dietz, her two sisters Caroline Irving and Helen Steeley and two of her brothers Melvin Dietz and William J. (Demps) Dietz and her daughter in law, Andrea Kern.
She is survived by her sons Thomas L. Kern, Jr., Laramie, and Roy Kern (Nancy), Laramie, two brothers, Arnie Dietz (Dorothy), Laramie and Leonard Dietz, Laramie, five grandchildren Tawnie Kern (Joseph Martinez), Laramie, Tyler Kern (Steven Geer), Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Trevor Kern (Jessica), Laramie, Crystal Gill (Brad),Laramie and Autumn Worrell (Dave) Pueblo, Colorado and five great grandchildren Kaylee Kern and Mason Kern, Laramie, Quinn Gill and Quade Gill, Laramie and Jedd Worrell, Pueblo, Colorado, numerous nieces and nephews, and her special caregiver Cindy Sheley.
There will be a memorial at 2:00 p.m. on October 7, 2022, at First Christian Church, Laramie Wyoming.
In Lieu of flowers please make donations to Albany 4H Shooting Sports
Tom and MaryAnn’s ashes will be spread on the Kern Ranch at a later date.
Wow. What to say about an amazing person her and Tom were some of my best memories at the ranch rip. And know you will never be forgotten.
I didn't know MaryAnn for a long time but the times I did share with her were memorable to say the least. She was quite the lady with wonderful stories of her growing up. She never lost my attention. And oh how she loved to sing! "Wooden Heart" was a favorite and I will never forget her singing in German and me in English as loud as can be while driving down Grand Ave. You will be missed MaryAnn by your family and friends who love you so much. Yes, MaryAnn was quite the lady.
To my Kern and Dietz family members, My memories of MaryAnn are few but oh so memorable. She loved and cared for her family, sharing stories of my dad which I cherish. When she held me and looked me in the eye and exclaim, “oh gosh!” there was no doubt of the family bond. My Aunt had a good heart. May peace be with you and memories cherished.
Tom, Tawnie, Tyler, Trevor and families - It is tough to lose such special people in our lives, and MaryAnn is one of the best. I was lucky enough to have great memories of her and Caroline telling stories and playing cards at the ranch and in Iowa on their trips. Peace be with all of you.
Roy, Nancy and family, we are very sorry to hear of MaryAnn’s passing. She certainly was a special woman! Tom and Rhonda
Tom and Roy I am sad for the loss of your mother, you are in my heart and prayers. Mary Ann will always have a special place in my heart. Love and God bless.
My condolences to the Kern family.
Roy and Nancy. I remember your mother (in-law) like it was just yesterday. Joe Walters and I would stop by their shop and chat or ask advice about fixing something. They were both so gracious and kind to us. Also remember one cold winter they needed someone to go keep a wood stove burning at their house on your ranch. Joe and I said we would do it for them. It was a find memory for me as we spent the day riding snow machine across the hays fields. I always hoped they would ask us again. Prayers to you and all of your families. Betty Dawson
Our condolences on the loss of your mother. She sounds like an impressive individual. Godspeed. Jim and Bonnie Noel
Tom, Tawnie, Tyler, Trevor and families: We are so sorry to hear of MaryAnn’s passing. She was always a delight when we delivered meals to her and know she will be greatly missed. Your family holds a special place in our hearts at the Eppson Center and we will keep you all in our thoughts. Tammy Comer and the staff at the Eppson Center.
It’s always tough to lose a mother. It’s a loss that one never gets over. The Kern family has lots of memories to celebrate, share, re-tell and forever love because of this beautiful woman. Be kind to each other and always remember the good times.