Roger Kerns

fargo ndhe will be missed.

Fargo ND
Hello Betty and family:

I was saddened to learn of Roger’s passing. As one of the many students who Roger oversaw over the years in his capacity as Dean of the College of University Studies at ND
SU, I always respected your husband and father.

He truly cared for ND
SU as well as his community. Roger always put people first with a deep and admiring passion which unfortunately is sorely missing in large part in today’s society.

Whenever the call went out, Roger was ready to respond. The people of Fargo will reember his service on the School Board. The people of North Dakota
will remember him not only for his work at ND
SU, but also when he answered the call to serve as the interim head of ND
SU-Bottineau (now Dakota College at Bottineau, aligned with Minot State University).

Our community and state have lost a true leader in Roger. He will be missed.

Betty and Family, my wife Debbie and I extend to you our sincerest sympathies over Roger’s passing and we pray that God will comfort you folks during this time of grief and sadness.

Psalm 30:5 from the English Standard Version tells us: “For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.”

When Roger left the Fargo School Board in 2001 I gave his “tribute”. He was a kind and generous man and many of the issues he was concerned about continue to be on the front burner. I wanted to share those comments.

Roger Kerns
Fargo Board of Education 1995-2001
Roger, from the day you walked into this room, you have been the member with the biggest heart. However the fact that you wear it on your sleeve makes you a lousy poker player. Your compassion is for ALL children, not just the lucky ones who call you grandpa. Before you began your first term on the Board, you saw to it that the Special Olympics Program became available to North Dakota
students. This has become a bigger event each passing year and the smiling faces of the audience and the participants can thank you.

During your two terms on the Fargo Board of Education, no matter the subject, you have made sure that the improvements towards education are driven by data. More than once you have shown up at a meeting with a binder full of information. You have found web sites and graphs that the most dedicated researcher might have missed.

Some of the issues you have lent your time and expertise to have included: enforcing the immunization laws throughout the school district, improving student attendance initiating the Academic All Stars recognition in partnership with the Forum speaking out for senior citizens who are challenged by rising taxes and making sure that students who may not have the financial means were not shortchanged by our public school system. You have never been afraid to speak your mind on any issue, no matter how unpopular the subject. Your passion is unmatched and admired by this board and community. Even those who have been on the other side of a debate with you know that you are driven by the passion to make things better for our Fargo students.
Some of our highlights over the last six years –
Technology-from board members who are now able to access information to an appropriate use policy for students.
Gym advertising—-or more correctly the lack thereof
Drug sniffing dogs and gang prevention activities
Long debates over three possible elementary school sites,
bus trips with the media to spots on the southside that are now apartments, and some that are still fields.
The School District Logo-“Where the Future Unfolds”
Nancy Jordheim and Chuck DeRemer are hired to fill their current positions
Safe Schools/ Safe Communities
Two words—Coca Cola
We purchase and renovate the Eagles Club and open it in the fall of 1997 as a Kindergarten Center
One of our favorite Roger reports- the “Catch Um Camera” that was put onto school buses
The memorable winter of 1996-97 when school was cancelled 10 times because of storms To say nothing of the spring of ’97 when we had to build a dike around Centennial and our schools became emergency shelters
Pepsi
Public meetings to discuss the deteriorating condition of South and North High and the assorted issues surrounding the overcrowding at South…which lead us to the remodeling and addition at South, followed by the current remodeling at Ben Franklin.
We committed to partnership with the Skills and Technology Training Center
Accepted Vern’s retirement and after a national search– found David
Mountain Dew
Appointed a Citizens Advisory Committee on school boundaries and school organizational plans
Held public meetings regarding the various color coded plans for reconfiguration and potential boundary changes
Diet Coke
We attended many hearing s and public forums –listening to many views before decisions were made.
Have I mentioned the caffeinated beverage discussion?
Built and Opened Bennett Elementary School
Developed a strategic plan and found partners to pay for the publishing of Freeze Frame
Hired a foundation director
Determined that Trollwood would be shared with Moorhead

Roger, I am sure there are more newsworthy issues we covered these last six years, but I am afraid that your watch will start beeping before I am done. These have been some very eventful years. We are better, as a Board and as Individuals because you were here among us. Because of you, we will always HEAR each other better because you insisted that if we had microphones both the board and the public would be able to listen to what we were saying. You have been a kind, passionate, and dedicated board member. The children of Fargo have been lucky to have had you on board.
Buddy and Betty had better take good care of you for us. On behalf of the Board and the Citizens of Fargo, Thank you.

Roger was a great mentor and friend a model of humble leadership. I fondly recall his eager willingness to participate in CAP missions and exercises. Whether flying or driving all over North Dakota
, in all kinds of weather, he was always enthusiastic and insightful. I will miss him.

My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. Thinking of you during this difficult time. He is now with the angels watching over you. Take care!!!
Tanya Livdahl

Fargo Betty, Laura and family- I was very saddened to hear about Roger. He accomplished more in his life time than most people! I know he will be greatly missed. My love to all of you!

My condolences Betty. I will miss seeing Roger at coffee.

Shakopee MN
Dear Kern’s family !

I was a student at ND
SU ( I grew up in Kindred) and Roger was one of first people I met of the faculty at ND
SU! He guided me though my ND
SU days and always was a positive role model. I have fond memories of seeing Roger on campus and he always was always interested in my college days and would always giving me courage and give advice to get through the rough classes like Math and Science that I didn’t like. After graduation in 1986 I would often visit ND
SU always looking for Roger.

What a great man Roger was and I thank you for sharing him with the ND
SU Family ! WOW ! Roger always glowed and loved talking about his family.

Thinking of you in this time of your loss.

Blessings,
Jean Lahren Washa
NDSU
Class of 1986

Fargo ND
Roger hired me at ND
SU 38 years ago. He was a wonderful mentor and boss. He helped me to make Fargo my home and to love all the good things about the Fargo community. Roger’s granddaughter has stopped by office periodically to let me know about Roger. My heart was saddened when I learned that he had a serious fall. He was a very influential faculty member at ND
SU and he will be missed.

Fargo ND
Roger was a role model of mine ever since we met through Rough Rider Kiwanis. I was always amazed at his accomplishments but even more so of him as a person. He was a thoughtful, caring man who went out of his way to help others.
We will miss you Roger, thank you for all of your support and for being our friend.

Roger Kerns was a remarkable man and outstanding public servant.

At ND
SU, Roger had a reputation of getting things done. He was the Dean of Univsersity Studies but also wore several other hats. Whenever there was a problem academic or administrative, roger would get the “fix it” assignment.

He served on the Fargo School Board for three terms and was its president under whom the school physical plan was expanded to build a new high school (Davies) and a new grade school (Bennet) on the south side . During his tenure major renovation were done to nearly all school, especially South and North Hiogh Schools. He was champion of positive change and a visionary.

He was also very active in civic groups and was the Chrter President of the Rough Rider Kiwanis Club among many organizations he belonged to.

Roger made his mark on Fargo and was one of those leaders who put “the Go in Fargo”. His legacy scores very high and is unmatchable.

Mort Mazaheri
NDSU Professor Emeritus
Former Fargo City Commissioner
Casa Grande, AZ

The world was blessed to have a person like roger lead the causes that he did and make the world a better place. It was an honor to know this humble giving man who accomplished so much . Thank you Betty for sharing him with all of us.