Hugh C Vermilya

With kind hearted ways and a positive nature, Hugh Vermilya was a blessing in the lives entrusted to his care. A family man through and through, he loved nothing more than being surrounded by the ones he loved, although antiquing and caring for his horses was close behind. Hard working, Hugh provided well for his family. In all ways, he was an example to live by and will be sorely missed. Born on September 2, 1918, Hugh C. Vermilya was a welcome addition in the lives of his parents, Ervin and Mary (Bateman) Vermilya. Born and raised on his family farm in Little Valley, he grew up alongside his two sisters, Doris and Betty. While nestled in this quaint community of Minnesota, the year of Hugh's birth was a significant time in our nation's history. The end of World War I brought welcome relief, however, cause for great concern was the Spanish flu which reached epidemic proportions. Despite the onset of the Great Depression during Hugh's formative years, he enjoyed a childhood typical for the times. He experienced great adventures growing up on his family farm and all a young boy like Hugh could take in. One time, while digging up skunks with his sister Betty to earn extra money, it was all she could do but to watch as the skunk turned to spray Hugh. Even though she saw it coming, she failed to warn him! Hugh attended the local schools and during his youth he had a horse named Bing that took him to and from school each day. After graduating from Plainview High School, Hugh went on to further his education at the University of Minnesota Agricultural School. He studied there for one and a half years until the call to duty found him enlisting in the U.S. Army during World War II. Hugh knew the horrors of war that lay ahead of him. After crying himself to sleep, he decided to transfer to the Air Force. During his military career, Hugh served as a B-17 engineer gunner. It was very cold in the plane, some -50 degrees, and he often wrapped newspaper around his feet to keep warm. Once after forgetting his boots, he nearly froze. In recent years, Hugh had the opportunity to fly once more in a restored B-17. Although he was up for the challenge, it was very difficult for him to get back in the plane filled with so many memories. During the war he flew on 35 missions over Germany, his plane being shot down once. Not knowing whether he was in Germany or France, when a local farmer came up to them speaking French, it became the best day of his life realizing he wasn't going to be a prisoner of war. At the war's end, Hugh was anxious to return home to his sweetheart, Thersa Kahring. They met when Hugh was home on leave while roller skating at the St. Charles fairgrounds. All dressed in his uniform and after he "accidentally" tripped Thersa, his cue was well received and she in turn tripped him when he went to put away his skates. After telling her she needed to learn some manners, Hugh invited her out for ice cream using the convertible his brother-in-law had loaned him. They dated for a time and after falling deeply in love, Hugh and Thersa sealed their loved in marriage on June 2, 1946. Hugh and Thersa farmed near Little Valley until moving in 1949 to a farm south of Dover. They remained there until eventually retiring, but most importantly, it was the place where they welcomed the births of two children. Jim and Janith brought great joy to their lives. Always the family man, Hugh reveled in his children and eventually, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The births of his three grandchildren was a delight to Hugh as he was so proud of his family name being carried on. In his eyes and heart, his grandkids could do no wrong. For many years, Hugh took his family on a fishing trip to Pelican Lake each year for a week, staying at the Jones Resort. Memorable times were shared there, and they'd fish from sunrise until it was time look for antiques. Hugh enjoyed going to auctions to invest in antique bowls and pitchers. He supported his family as a hardworking farmer. Hugh enjoyed his many horses, and was well known in the area for his talent in raising, breaking and selling horses. At one point he owned 73 horses and had the natural ability to care for them with ways all his own. Along with his beloved horses, Hugh had two very special canine companions throughout the years, Pat and Joe. Known to be "very competitive", especially when it came to cards, Hugh was not a force to be reckoned with at the card table. Together, Hugh and Theresa loved to dance at the Playmor in nearby Rochester. Whenever she got tired, he'd just "swap wives". With his dry sense of humor, Hugh liked telling his "Swedish jokes" to his daughter-in-law, Sue. He often used the term, "hornswaggle" for the meaning of bargain or whenever he finagled a better price, and his grandsons always thought it was an actual word. Hugh had his share of habits, and one of those included wearing his jacket, hat and long johns year round. On the fourth of July he'd make an exception, but on the fifth they were right back on. Christmastime with the Vermilya's was a happy time filled with laughter, family and good food. Hugh's favorite dinner was oyster stew with his family. A kind and caring family man, Hugh Vermilya loved his family dearly. He lived by example, and made a good life for those he loved. His kind hearted ways shone bright, and his positive outlook always made days brighter. Although he will be missed, the memory of Hugh lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. At the age of 95, Hugh C. Vermilya, of St. Charles died Tuesday morning, February 11, 2014 at the Golden Living Center in St. Charles. Survivors include his wife, Thersa; children: Jim (Sue) Vermilya of St. Charles and Janith Mary (James) Jacobson of Howard Lake; grandchildren: Dave, Steve and Kate; two great-grandchildren, Jackson and Katelyn, with another great-grandson coming soon. Hugh is also survived by a sister, Betty Boelter of Rochester. He was preceded in death by his sister, Doris. Funeral Services will be 11AM Saturday, February 15, 2014 at Faith Lutheran Church in St. Charles with the Reverend Steven McGinley officiating. Burial will be in Little Valley Cemetery in the spring. Friends may call from 4-8PM Friday at Hoff Funeral Service in St. Charles. They may also call one hour before services at the church. To share a memory of Hugh and to sign his online guest book, please visit www.hofffuneral.com.
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