Norman Werth

Dennis Morse McKern, age 82, a life- long resident of the Rice and Kettle Falls, WA, communities, passed away on Sept. 22, 2026, in Spokane, WA. Dennis was born on August 28, 1944, the son of Dee Lightfoot and Ina Irene (Koski) McKern. Dennis was raised on the family farm in Rice, where he began school in the Rice Community School House. He then attended high school in Kettle Falls and graduated with the class of 1962. Dennis continued his education in Pull- man, where he attended Washington State University. He completed his education with a bachelor’s degree and returned to Kettle Falls. On September 16, 1967, he and Patri- cia Ann Kent exchanged vows and began a journey of 56 years in marriage. 

They began a family, and Dennis worked in the local lumber industry before join- ing the family business as an insurance agent. At different points, each of his children worked with him in the insur- ance business. Dennis retired in 2012 to spend more time in the care of his family and watch his grandchildren grow. He and Patty were active in the Ket- tle River Grange for many years. Dennis enjoyed acting in the annual plays, es- pecially when he played the villain, and volunteering at events like the turkey shoots. He was always steady in charac- ter and willing to offer a hand whenever he was able. He loved the outdoors and spent many hours camping, huckleberry picking, hunting, and fishing, especially with a fly rod in hand. 

He had a great sense of humor, and his dry wit was of- fered with a subtle grin and good heart. Dennis had a great love of his family and enjoyed spending time with his grand- children and great-grandchildren. Once he retired, he enjoyed coffee almost ev- ery morning with his good friend Dave Brown, where they told bad jokes, talked about family and the state of the world. 

Dennis was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia “Patty” McKern, on March 15, 2024; his parents, Dee and Ina McKern; and siblings, Dan Reeder, Patricia Reeder-Clemons, Tom McKern, and twin sister Diane McKern-Showalter. Dennis is survived by his children: Rod McKern (Ann) of Kettle Falls, WA, Katie Paulson (Rob) of Clarkston, WA, Anna Vining ( Josh) of Kettle Falls, WA; grandchildren, Dalton McKern (Bre), Kate Gumm (Carson), Shelby Hawes (D.J.), Garrett Paulson (Hannah), Blake Vining (Brooke), Dylan Vining (Sarah); Great-grandchildren, Aubree, Mason, Andrew, Videtta, Viktor, Arlo, Blake- ly, Grey, Lane, and Bellamy; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of ex- tended family and friends. 

A family gathering was held in hon- or of Dennis. Memorial contributions may be given to the Kettle River Grange. Please visit the online memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com. Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory is entrusted with the arrangements.