Joe E. Kernan facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Joe E. Kernan
48th Governor of Indiana
In office September 13, 2003 – January 10, 2005
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
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
Preceded by	Roger Parent
Succeeded by	Steve Luecke
Personal details
Born	Joseph Eugene Kernan (1946-04-08)April 8, 1946 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Died	July 29, 2020(2020-07-29) (aged 74) South Bend, Indiana, U.S.
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.

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

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  Kernan played a key role in attracting the College Football Hall of Fame to South Bend

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  The construction of a new South Shore Line station took place during Kernan's tenure as South Bend mayor

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  South Street Station, the result of efforts to construct an intermodal transit center which began during Kernan's tenure

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  Kernan refinanced Coveleski Stadium