Kermit Kenneth Verthein

ALTURA, MINN. - Kermit Kenneth Verthein died peacefully Saturday, August 9, 2008, at his home in Altura, Minn. after a lengthy illness. He was born in Tulare, SD, on September 3, 1924 to Gustav and Elsie (Haar) Verthein. His family later moved to Caledonia, MN. He graduated from Caledonia High School in 1942 where he played baseball and was captain of the football team. He married Augusta Nunemacher on October 16, 1945, in Brownsville, MN. Kermit and Augusta farmed in Caledonia and Hokah until 1961. They then farmed in Altura until their retirement. While farming, he received the Winona County Conservation Farmer of the Year Award. Kermit and Augusta wintered in Arizona for many years. Kermit was a member of Our Savior Moravian Church of Altura. He previously served on the Altura City Council, Rollingstone Creamery Board and was a former member of the Altura Lions. Kermit loved life. He especially enjoyed his family; the Green Bay Packers, the Minnesota Twins and most sporting events; a good card game; golfing and he attended many horse pulls with his wife and friends. Kermit is survived by his wife, Augusta; two sons, Dennis (Carolyn) Verthein and Steven (Bekky) Verthein, both of Altura and one daughter, Candace (Steven) Kohner of Winona; seven grandchildren, Bradley (Heather) Verthein, Brenda (Jon) Parsons, Jay (Amanda) Verthein, Jennifer Verthein, Ben (Greta) Verthein, Kjersti (Mark) Anderson and Kollin Foss; four step-grandchildren Shawn (Michelle) Kohner, Stephanie Vaughn, Jason (Jill) Kohner and Jennifer Kohner; and seventeen great-grandchildren. Kermit is also survived by sisters Katie Enyart, Phoenix, AZ, Geneva (Dexter) Ridgley, Mesa, AZ, LuEtta (Chester) Fruechte, Caledonia, MN, Donna (Harold) Amsrud, New Brighton, MN, and Janice (Donald) Warren, Burnsville, MN, and many nieces and nephews. Kermit was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Clarence, Gustav, Jr., Norma Rolfs, Dorothy Bunge, Lillian Wiedman and an infant brother. Memorials may be directed to Our Savior Moravian Church or Seasons Hospice. There will be a celebration of Kermit's life at 11:00AM Wednesday, August 13 at Our Savior Moravian Church, Altura, MN with the Rev. David Sobek officiating. Burial will be in the Bethany Moravian Cemetary. Visitation will be from 5:00PM-8:00PM Tuesday, August 12 at Our Savior Moravian Church and one hour before the service. Hoff Funeral Homes - Lewiston Chapel is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Please feel free to leave a memory of Kermit, sign his online guestbook, and view his tribute video when it is uploaded at www.hofffuneral.com
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/26977