Charles Nile "Charlie" Kernen

      Charles Nile "Charlie" Kernen, age 73, of Ithaca, MI, passed away Sunday, January 28, 2024.

      Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes Ithaca, MI, Ithaca at 1:00 P.M. on Friday, February 2, 2024, with Pastor George Ayoub officiating, beginning with a Masonic Service offered by the Ithaca Masonic Lodge #123.  Burial will take place at the Ithaca Cemetery, Ithaca, MI. Visitation will be held on Friday from 11 A.M. - 1 P.M. prior to the service at the funeral home. 

      Charlie was born in Alma, MI on May 27, 1950, the son of J.L. "Bud" and Nilene (Crites) Kernen. He was a graduate of Ithaca High School with the Class of 1969.

      Charlie enjoyed visiting with the morning coffee group at McDonalds. He loved driving his Buick convertible in parades. Charlie was a very social person and loved visiting with anyone he met.   He loved enjoying a piece of pie at the Hearthstone Oven.  Charlie was a lifelong member of the Ithaca Masonic Lodge #123, Elks Lodge, Moose Lodge, and Shriners International. Tinkering with things and collecting were some of his favorite pastimes.  Charlie worked at his family's Buick dealership in Ithaca and later worked at the Masonic Home in the maintenance department. He was a proud supporter of the Ithaca Fire Department.  

      He is survived by his niece, nephew, many cousins and several friends. Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Rick Rimmel.

      In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gratiot County Commission on Aging or the Ithaca Masonic Lodge #123. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.