December 4, 1988 – June 25, 2026
Kerstin Nicole Kern left this world far too soon on June 25, in Casper, WY. Born on December 4, 1988, in Valentine, NE, Kerstin spent her childhood in Alliance and Gering, NE, and Pierre, SD. No matter where life took her, she had a way of collecting people. She never met a stranger, and it didn’t take long before you weren’t just someone she knew, you were family. She had a rare gift for making people feel like they belonged.
She was many things throughout her life: daughter, sister, cousin, friend, CNA, home health aide, waitress, bartender, daycare owner. But her favorite title was simply Mom. Rylan and Gavin were the center of her world. Her greatest joy in life was being their mom.
She was a tiny little firecracker with a heart far bigger than her 4’7″ frame. She loved fiercely, laughed loudly, stood up for what she believed in, and made people feel seen, valued, and loved. The world feels quieter without her in it, but everyone fortunate enough to know her carries a little piece of her forward.
Kerstin is survived by her children, Rylan and Gavin; her father, Arlen Kern; her mother, Christina Merry; her brothers, Andrew Kern and Matthew Merry; her sister, Heather Merry; her beloved grandparents, Roger and Debi Bakkehaug; her cousin, Shari Walton, who was like a mother to her; countless aunts, uncles, cousins, dear friends who became family; and her beloved dogs, Abby, Dave, and Shady Doo.
She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Arthur and Johanna, and Arlene Kern; her maternal grandparents, Dale and Asenith Dyess; her cousin Zach Walton; her dear friend Denise; and her beloved dog George.
A viewing and celebration of Kerstin’s life will be held on Sat., July 11, at 10 a.m. at the Alliance Eagles Club in Alliance, with a reception to follow. A Casper celebration of life will be held on Mon., July 13, at The Office Bar & Grill.
For those who wish to honor Kerstin’s memory, memorial contributions may be made to Bustard & Jacoby Funeral Home to assist with funeral expenses, or through the family’s GoFundMe to help support her children and family during this difficult time.