Andy Kern

Andy Kern was the son of a police captain, a Marine, and eventually, a priest, but he is best known as Beany's second boyfriend. Many readers thought fondly of Andy and some even wished he'd stayed out of the priesthood so Beany could have married him instead of Carlton Buell. He had a sister, Rosellen, who used crutches due to a bout with polio, and whose tragic death is at the heart of the book "A Bright Star Falls." He also had two young brothers, Donny and Pete, who had many entrepreneurial schemes involving small pets.

From Image Cascade:

Son of police Captain Kern. Sweet, reliable, patient and funny Andy. Always signed his notes to Beany, "Stay as sweet as you are." Often referred to her as "Knucks" and "Doll." Andy was always comfortable to be around - never pushed a serious relationship and always "kept it light" in the romance department (no more-thanning expected from Andy). Andy was a steadying force in Beany's life after her topsy-turvy relationship with Norbett. Beany described Andy to Mary Fred as, "...a born comedian - without even trying. He ushers at the Pantages. He calls it the Pant. And the manager's name is Mr. Puffer' and it's so funny the way Andy puffs and pants when he says, 'Now Mr. Puffer at the Pant. . .' And you know how the French for 'I adore you' sounds just like, 'Shut the door.' Well, Andy knows that phrase, and Madame asked him how he knew that and nothing else, and he said?" Beany's blush deepened, "'It comes easy when I look at Beany.'"