They had one child, Victoria Kukahilihiapoaliilani. Death and legacy Fern died from complications with diabetes, while still in office. At the beginning of 1920 Fern came down with a high fever and he took several sick leaves. On February 9 he was admitted to Queen's Medical Center, Fern died there February 20, 1920. Evidence of his popularity among the people he served, Fern was granted a state funeral and was laid in the throne room of ʻIolani Palace. During the burial rites at the King Street Catholic Cemetery, the United States Army Air Corps presented a fly-over ceremony in a v-formation. Fern Elementary school in the Kalihi neighborhood in Honolulu was named after him. References External links Joseph J. Fern at Find a Grave Mayors of Honolulu Hawaiian Kingdom people 1872 births 1920 deaths Hawaii Democrats Burials at Honolulu Catholic Cemetery People from Hawaii (island)