Joe E. Kernan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joe E. Kernan
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48th Governor of Indiana | |
In office September 13, 2003 – January 10, 2005 |
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Lieutenant | Kathy Davis |
Preceded by | Frank O'Bannon |
Succeeded by | Mitch Daniels |
47th Lieutenant Governor of Indiana | |
In office January 13, 1997 – September 13, 2003 Acting Governor: Sept. 10, 2003 – Sept. 13, 2003 |
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Governor | Frank O'Bannon |
Preceded by | Frank O'Bannon |
Succeeded by | Kathy Davis |
30th Mayor of South Bend | |
In office January 3, 1988 – January 3, 1997 |
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Preceded by | Roger Parent |
Succeeded by | Steve Luecke |
Personal details | |
Born |
Joseph Eugene Kernan
April 8, 1946 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
Died | July 29, 2020 South Bend, Indiana, U.S. |
(aged 74)
Political party | Democratic |
Spouse | Maggie Kernan |
Residence | South Bend, Indiana |
Alma mater | University of Notre Dame |
Profession | Businessman |
Military service | |
Branch/service | United States Navy |
Years of service | 1969–1974 (active duty) 1974-1982 (naval reserve) |
Battles/wars | Vietnam War, Cold War |
Joseph Eugene Kernan (born April 8, 1946 – died July 29, 2020) was an American leader and businessman. He served as the 48th Governor of Indiana from 2003 to 2005. Before that, he was the 47th Lieutenant Governor of Indiana from 1997 to 2003. He also served as the Mayor of South Bend. Kernan was a member of the Democratic Party. He passed away at age 74 due to health issues in South Bend.
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Early Life and Service
Joseph Kernan was born in Chicago, Illinois. He later attended the University of Notre Dame. After college, he joined the United States Navy. He served during the Vietnam War and the Cold War. Kernan was a Naval Aviator. He was on active duty from 1969 to 1974. After that, he served in the naval reserve until 1982.
Serving South Bend as Mayor
Kernan began his political career in South Bend, Indiana. He was elected as the 30th Mayor of South Bend. His term as mayor lasted from January 3, 1988, to January 3, 1997. During his time as mayor, he worked on important city projects. These included improving public transportation. He also helped bring the College Football Hall of Fame to South Bend.
Lieutenant Governor of Indiana
After serving as mayor, Kernan became the Lieutenant Governor of Indiana. He held this role from January 13, 1997, to September 13, 2003. He served alongside Governor Frank O'Bannon. As Lieutenant Governor, he was second in command for the state. He helped the governor with many important tasks. When Governor O'Bannon became ill, Kernan briefly served as acting governor.
Governor of Indiana
Joseph Kernan became the Governor of Indiana on September 13, 2003. He took office after Governor O'Bannon passed away. Kernan served as governor until January 10, 2005. He was the 48th person to hold this important position. In 2004, he ran for a full term as governor. However, he lost the election to Mitch Daniels.
Later Life and Passing
After his time as governor, Kernan continued to live in South Bend. He was known as a dedicated public servant. Joseph Kernan passed away on July 29, 2020. He was 74 years old. His death was caused by problems related to Alzheimer's disease. He died at a care facility in South Bend, Indiana.
Images for kids
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Kernan greeting President Ronald Reagan in 1988