Vernon N. Kemmann

St. Marys - Vernon N. Kemmann, 89, died at noon Nov. 19, 2009, at his residence.

He was born April 8, 1920, in Long Island, N.Y., to Fred and Regina Banschbach Kemmann, who preceded him in death. On July 26, 1942, in St. Marys, he married Velma Ruth Wilkins, who died May 30, 1998.

Mr. Kemmann was a farmer and had retired as a welder and electrician from New Idea Corp., Coldwater. He helped many of his farm neighbors in Salem and Noble Townships with welding projects. He also drove a school bus for St. Marys City Schools in the Noble district and operated a sawmill with Jake Hamp near Kossuth. He was a life member of Zion Lutheran Church, St. Marys, where he served in various capacities. He enjoyed boating and was a member of the Lima Power Squadron, Lima. He constructed and flew radio-controlled airplanes and donated a flying field to the Auglaize County Buzzard Baiters. He was a licensed amateur radio operator (WB8CWB) and also enjoyed riding Harley-Davidson motorcycles. He was mischievous and full of antics in his younger years, when he once flew an airplane without a license. Upon becoming airborne, he realized he could not perform a landing and had to be talked to the ground with assistance. On another occasion, he and some friends lined the streets of Mendon with outhouses. Those were the days.

Survivors include a son, Terry (Theresa) Kemmann, of St. Marys; two daughters, Karen Kemmann, of St. Marys, and Valerie Kemmann, of New Knoxville; five grandchildren, Davy Kemmann, Christopher Kemmann, Matthew Kemmann, Michael Kemmann and Melissa (Justin) Rife; five great-grandchildren, Jeremy Kemmann, Amber Kemmann, Olivia Rife, Zachary Rife and Ethan Rife; and his close companion and caregiver, Evelyn Moser, of Celina.

He was preceded in death by a grandson, Craig Kemmann.

Services will begin at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Miller Funeral Home, St. Marys. The Rev. Douglas Meyer will officiate. Burial will be in Elm Grove Cemetery, St. Marys.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Auglaize County Buzzard Baiters.

Condolences may be expressed at www.millerfuneralhomes.net.