Makenzi Nichole Kern, affectionately known as “Kenz,” died unexpectedly on June 8, 2026 from health complications just two days after her 26th birthday. She was 26, surrounded by closest friends on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to St. Barthelemy. Her Celebration o
On June 8, 2026, Makenzi Nichole Kern—known to everyone as “Kenz”—was gone far sooner than anyone expected.
She died unexpectedly from health complications two days after her 26th birthday, which fell on June 6, 2000. At the time of her passing, she was surrounded by her closest friends on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to St. Barthelemy Island.
To know Kenz, friends said, was to love her right back. She lived life to the fullest—silly and goofy. with the kind of presence that could brighten a room when she was around. Even the smallest moments carried her signature energy: she was the child who insisted “you go first. I’ll get a turn later. ” letting the other kids down the playground slide before taking her own turn.
Kenz grew up in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and graduated from Lewis Central High School in 2018. She later earned a bachelor’s degree in 2022 in Human Development and Family Studies from Iowa State University. where she cheered for the Cyclones. During her time at ISU, she deepened friendships that stayed strong long after graduation.
After college, she began her career at the YMCA of Greater Omaha. She started as a Youth and Family Director, then later worked as Membership Director for the Armbrust Branch. Colleagues and friends remembered a person who was dedicated—to her job. to her friends. and to her beloved pets. especially her cat Dusty. Even when she felt the pressure of being responsible. she held tightly to one guiding instinct: she never wanted to let anyone down or upset them.
Her love for water showed up again and again. She talked her mom into going swimming in the middle of a rain storm during a trip to Disneyworld. With her dad, she loved boating and water skiing, and in St. Barths she got to try out a seabob for the first time. Friends said they had to drag her off because she loved it so much—proof. as they described it. that she was having an amazing time.
There was also a bond at the center of her life: her relationship with her sister, Delani Kern. Most recently, they moved in together. They might have sounded like they were constantly fighting. but anyone who knew them understood what was really there—protectiveness and loyalty that would have stood between them and anyone who tried to hurt the other.
Kenz also carried a particular kind of humility. She never wanted to be an inconvenience. She would be upset with everyone for putting up a fuss about her or making her the center of attention. She preferred to fly under the radar—cracking jokes and making sarcastic comments that still landed as laughter. and friends joked that her sarcasm came from her father.
Even so, people found her anyway. Though she didn’t seek the spotlight, she had a way of making everyone she met a friend. Long-lasting relationships followed her, and they were part of what made her absence so sharply felt.
She is survived by her mother. Teri Dietchler (David Dietchler); father. Chris Kern (Lona Smart); sister. Delani Kern (Chase Ahlers); boyfriend. Alan Dungan; step siblings. Kyleigh (Desmond) Austin and Alex Smart; and grandparents. Meerl and Karen Bever. Bonnie Waters and Chuck Kern. Her family said she was loved deeply by too many extended family and friends to mention everyone.
Celebration of Life Services are pending.
Makenzi Nichole Kern Kenz Kern June 8 2026 obituary Council Bluffs Iowa Lewis Central High School Iowa State University Human Development and Family Studies YMCA of Greater Omaha Armbrust Branch St. Barthelemy Island