COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA — Family, friends, and the broader community are mourning the sudden loss of Makenzi Nichole Kern, affectionately known as “Kenz,” who passed away at the age of 26 from health complications on June 8, 2026 — just two days after celebrating her birthday.
Kern died while surrounded by her closest friends on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to St. Barthelemy Island (St. Barts) in the Caribbean. Her passing has deeply affected loved ones, who remember her as a vibrant, silly, and goofy soul who brought joy and energy to everyone around her.
Born on June 6, 2000, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Makenzi grew up with a bright spirit and a deep love for family and friends. She graduated from Lewis Central High School in 2018 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Iowa State University in 2022, where she cheered for the Cyclones. Her time at ISU strengthened lifelong friendships that remained central to her life.
After college, she built a career with the YMCA of Greater Omaha, serving first as a Youth and Family Director and later as Membership Director for the Armbrust Branch. Colleagues and those who knew her described her as dedicated, thoughtful, and someone who never wanted to let others down. From a young age, she showed kindness — famously letting other kids go down the playground slide first, saying, “You go first, I’ll get a turn later.”
Makenzi had a profound love for the water. She enjoyed swimming (even convincing her mom to join her in the rain at Disney World), boating and water skiing with her dad, and recently tried a seabob for the first time in St. Barts — an activity her friends said they could barely pull her away from. She was a devoted “mama’s girl” in her early years, shared a close (and playfully combative) bond with her sister Delani, and cherished her pets, especially her cat Dusty.
She is survived by her mother, Teri Deitchler (David Deitchler); 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. She was deeply loved by an extensive network of extended family and friends.
Celebration of Life services are pending. Tributes highlight her ability to make friends easily, her sarcastic humor (often inherited from her father), and her preference for flying under the radar while still lighting up every room.
Her unexpected death, confirmed by family to involve no foul play, drugs, or alcohol, has left a significant void. Those who knew Makenzi Kern best will remember her as someone who lived life to the fullest, loved fiercely, and touched countless lives with her warmth and positivity.
Rest in peace, Kenz.
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