Vernon J. Hemann

Vernon J, Hemann of Des Moines passed away on Thursday February 22, 2018. Vernon was born October 30, 1930 in Stacyville, Iowa to Alvina and Anton Hemann, the fifth child out of seven. He attended Visitation School in Stacyville then joined the Army on January 31, 1951 and served until January 15, 1954 where he received training in Artillery School and Radio Repair Maintenance.
On January 29, 1955 Vernon married the love of his life, Diana C. Kern. They were married for over 62 years until her passing in June 2017.
Vernon and Diana were long standing, active members of Christ the King Catholic Parish after joining in 1965. Vernon participated on several boards and served in various positions within the Church including Board of Education, Finance Council, Parish Council, Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Eucharistic Adoration, Usher, and many more roles throughout the years. He was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus and was an active member of the Christ the King Council.
Vernon worked for AT&T for 35 years until his retirement December 1, 1988. For years he and Diana were active travelers, exploring new places around the country or just visiting family. When home he remained active in volunteer work for LifeServe Blood Center, Iowa Methodist Medical Center, and Saint Vincent De Paul Society. He enjoyed watching baseball, especially the Cubs. A lifelong fan of the Hawkeyes, he never felt uncomfortable wearing a Hawkeye hat around his Iowa State alumni children and grandchildren.
Vernon is survived by his 11 children: Gary (Ronda), Joan Stotts, Alan, Janet (Don) Ceretti, Andi, Jeff (Diane), Brian, Cindy (Larry) Phillips, Chris (Teresa), Darren (Caren) and Scott; 16 grandchildern: Teresa (Jason) Edwards, Greg (Becky) Stotts, Melissa (Eric) Borell, Laura (Jimmy) Sarcone, Joshua Hemann, Emily (Brady) Streit, Zach Stotts, Lauren, Michelle, and Rachel Giddings, Collin and Alec Hemann, Nick and Anna Hemann, Jacob and Holly Hemann; and 10 great-grandchildren: Isaiah and Samuel Stotts, Aliana and Elliott Borell, Emmet Edwards, Jack and Cecilia Sarcone, Lucas Tarter, Christian Montelongo, and Piper Streit; brothers: Marvin (Dorothy), Harold (Roma), and Robert (Maureen), as well as a host of extended family and friends.
He was proceeded in death by his wife; his parents; his brother Donald; his sisters: Alice Gerk and Irene Small; his brothers-in-law: Alden Small and Roman Gerk; his sisters-in-law: Helen, Dorothy, Mary Hemann and Pauline Kern.
The family will greet friends 5 to 8 p.m. with a Vigil Service at 7:30 p.m., Monday, February 26, 2018 in the Parish Hall at Christ the King Catholic Church, 5711 S.W. 9th Street. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, February 27, 2018 at Christ the King Catholic Church followed by a reception. Burial will be at Glendale Cemetery with military honors.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Christ the King Foundation in loving memory of Vernon.

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