Joseph E. Kernan devoted his existence to bettering the lives of others.
The 48th governor of Indiana, who passed away on the morning of July 29, was both a model statesman and American hero.
Before getting into politics, but after playing baseball and studying at Notre Dame, Kernan served in the Navy. In 1972, Kernan and his co-pilot were shot down while on a mission over North Vietnam. Kernan then spent 11 months as a POW in Hanoi, including the infamous “Hanoi Hilton” prison.
Kernan was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, two Purple Hearts and the Navy Commendation Medal for his service. Later, in 2015, Kernan was among the second group of inductees into the Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame.
After returning from war, Kernan worked in business until he was asked to be the city controller by former South Bend Mayor Roger Parent in 1980. In 1987, Kernan was elected as mayor of South Bend, a position he would hold for three consecutive terms.
In his time leading the city, Kernan oversaw several key development projects and helped establish a center for the homeless.
While Kernan thrived in his position as mayor, his talents and leadership were needed at a statewide level.
In 1996, Frank O’Bannon asked Kernan to serve as his lieutenant governor. The duo won the election before earning re-election in 2000. O’Bannon died of a stroke in 2003, thrusting Kernan into the position of governor.
Kernan made history immediately by appointing Kathy Davis as the state’s first female lieutenant governor. The two would go on to lead the state until Kernan retired from politics in 2005.
Aside from helping keep a minor league baseball team in South Bend, Kernan was an adjunct professor at Notre Dame through his own consulting firm while retired. Kernan stayed involved in local, state, and national politics as well.
An outpouring of love came from the public on last week on the morning of his death, as Hoosiers of all backgrounds mourned the passing of the public servant.
Arrangements for Kernan’s funeral were made for Welsheimer’s Funeral Home in South Bend. Kernan, always a loyal friend, had expressed a preference for Welsheimer’s because the funeral home sponsored his little league team in 1958 when he was 12 years old.
Kernan’s service, and impact, on Indiana is immeasurable.
