Willard L. Kern, Sr., 75, of Catasauqua, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, May 2, 2012, at home, with his loving wife and family by his side. He and his wife, Debra L. (Mace), celebrated their 21st anniversary on July 20th. Born in Laurys Station, he was a son of Mae (Teruya) Kern-Miller and the late George C. Kern, Sr. He was employed at Mack Trucks, Inc. as a machinist for 33 years prior to retiring in 1999 and was a member of UAW Local 677. Previously, Willard was employed at Sandura, Inc. for 11 years. He was a veteran of the Korean War and served with the Navy. An old cowboy movies buff, he was an avid John Wayne and Pittsburgh Steelers fan. He enjoyed playing the guitar and traveling. Willard’s grandchildren and great grandchildren were the light of his life and he will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by close family and friends. Survivors: wife; mother, Walnutport; former wife, Janice (Pascoe) Kern, Catasauqua; sons, Willard, Jr., Catasauqua, Christopher Gruber, and wife, Christine, Sinking Springs, Michael Gruber, and wife, Katelyn, Topton; daughters, Robbin L. Gruber, and husband, Rick, Topton, Tracy L. Weghofer, and husband, Brian, Northampton; grandchildren, Matia L. Mckeever-Muller, Shayla L. Schroeder, Kaylynn N. Gruber, Adrianne L. Kern, Shane C. Gruber, Branden A. Weghofer, Travis A. Weghofer, Haley D. Gruber, Jenna M. Gruber, Trinity L. Kern, Ava E. Kutz, Madylyn K. Gruber; great grandchildren, Kaia N. Muller, Aaron P. Muller, Jr., Layne B. Schroeder; sisters, Margaret Papsun, East Texas, Evelyn Haas, Whitehall, Joyce Hildebrand, Walnutport, Lorraine Todisco, Revere MA, Connie Matla, Coplay; nephews; nieces. Services: Celebration of life, Saturday, 12-3 PM, W. Coplay Maennerchor 3326 N. Ruch St. Coplay. Arrangements by Stephens Funeral Home, Inc. Contributions: in lieu of flowers, to American Cancer Society 3893 Adler Place Bethlehem 18017 or Lehigh Valley Hospice Attention: Susan Biggs PO Box 4000, 2100 Mack Blvd. Allentown 18103.