Calvin Harold Kernen

1925-2024

Calvin Harold Kernen passed on Feb. 11, 2024, in Arcata, Calif. Cal was born Aug. 5, 1925, in Del Norte, Colo., to Swiss immigrants Friederick Alfred and Mary Albertina Kernen and was proud to have turned 98 ½ years old just days before his passing.

He grew up on Pinos Creek near Del Norte as the youngest of seven children and loved life in the great outdoors. The family raised their own crops and livestock, and Cal began helping at age 7. He loved tending to cattle in the hills, hunting and fishing.

Cal was a proud WWII Army veteran and was grateful to have been on one of the Honor Flights to Washington DC.

In December 1950, he married Virginia Dickson, spending over 73 years together in Arcata, Calif.

Cal was a man of integrity. His word was his bond, a handshake was a contract, and honesty guided his affairs. He was capable, hardworking, independent, kind and caring.

He could fix anything and was quick to lend a helping hand to anyone needing it.

Cal is survived by his wife, Virginia, daughters, Karla and Kay and son, Kurt plus numerous grand and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.