Wesley Hemerling
September 1st, 1926 - October 13th, 2024
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Wesley's Obituary
Wesley Normand Hemerling, 98, of St. Joseph, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, October 13, 2024, at Corewell Health in St. Joseph with family by his side.
Wes was born on September 1, 1926, in Benton Harbor, MI to Edward and Edna (Schadler) Hemerling. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1944 and went to work at Modern Plastics Corporation in Benton Harbor where he had over 48 years of outstanding service. Wes worked in various positions and leadership capacities retiring as Director of Operations in 1992. He was known for his vast knowledge of molding, engineering, and the people and companies Modern worked with.
On September 10, 1949, he married Louanna H. Schiebel at a ceremony at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, St. Joseph. He was an active lifelong member of St. Peter’s where he was baptized and confirmed, taught Sunday School, was a Youth Group Advisor, and served on various committees and boards including being President of the church for a number of years. Wes joined the First Congregational Church of St. Joseph following St. Peter’s closure. The Hemerlings are fans of University of Michigan football and for over 35 years they loved attending games and tailgating with their family and many friends. Wes enjoyed fishing during family vacations at Sister Lakes and at other lakes in the region, trips to New Hampshire where his daughter and son-in-law lived for many years, yard work and gardening, and taking walks, especially with his dog and best buddy, Andy. Other joys were appreciating nature, especially birds, and spending time with his granddaughters and taking them at a young age to visit “Tommy the Turtle” (who now resides in granddaughter, Amy’s backyard). He was a great problem solver, a loving and patient caregiver to his wife for many years, loved to tease his family members, and had a great sense of humor. He brought smiles and laughter to all who knew him.
Wes is survived by his children, Nancy (Chuck) Van Horn of St. Joseph, Allen (Sandy) Hemerling of Stevensville, and Richard (Peggy) Hemerling of Hastings, MI; granddaughters, Amy (Bob) Biggins of St. Joseph, Laura (Matt) Jackson of Allendale, MI, Lindsay (Jed) Nichols of Hastings, and Erin (Kyle) Quada of Hastings; step-grandchild, Melissa (Jason) Van Patten of Wayland, MI; great-grandchildren, Riley, Alexandra and Emily Biggins of St. Joseph, Abigail and Lucas Jackson of Allendale, and Zane and Atlas Quada of Hastings; brother, Edward Hemerling of Tamarac, FL; sister, Shirley Foster of St. Joseph; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife, Louanna, in 2016 after 67 years of marriage.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday, October 21 at 11:00 am at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph MI with Rev. Jeffrey Hubers of First Congregational Church officiating. Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the service, from 10:00 – 11:00 am. Burial to follow at Riverview Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to First Congregational Church (2001 Niles Ave, St. Joseph, 49085) or Caring Circle (4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, 49085).
Wes was born on September 1, 1926, in Benton Harbor, MI to Edward and Edna (Schadler) Hemerling. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1944 and went to work at Modern Plastics Corporation in Benton Harbor where he had over 48 years of outstanding service. Wes worked in various positions and leadership capacities retiring as Director of Operations in 1992. He was known for his vast knowledge of molding, engineering, and the people and companies Modern worked with.
On September 10, 1949, he married Louanna H. Schiebel at a ceremony at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, St. Joseph. He was an active lifelong member of St. Peter’s where he was baptized and confirmed, taught Sunday School, was a Youth Group Advisor, and served on various committees and boards including being President of the church for a number of years. Wes joined the First Congregational Church of St. Joseph following St. Peter’s closure. The Hemerlings are fans of University of Michigan football and for over 35 years they loved attending games and tailgating with their family and many friends. Wes enjoyed fishing during family vacations at Sister Lakes and at other lakes in the region, trips to New Hampshire where his daughter and son-in-law lived for many years, yard work and gardening, and taking walks, especially with his dog and best buddy, Andy. Other joys were appreciating nature, especially birds, and spending time with his granddaughters and taking them at a young age to visit “Tommy the Turtle” (who now resides in granddaughter, Amy’s backyard). He was a great problem solver, a loving and patient caregiver to his wife for many years, loved to tease his family members, and had a great sense of humor. He brought smiles and laughter to all who knew him.
Wes is survived by his children, Nancy (Chuck) Van Horn of St. Joseph, Allen (Sandy) Hemerling of Stevensville, and Richard (Peggy) Hemerling of Hastings, MI; granddaughters, Amy (Bob) Biggins of St. Joseph, Laura (Matt) Jackson of Allendale, MI, Lindsay (Jed) Nichols of Hastings, and Erin (Kyle) Quada of Hastings; step-grandchild, Melissa (Jason) Van Patten of Wayland, MI; great-grandchildren, Riley, Alexandra and Emily Biggins of St. Joseph, Abigail and Lucas Jackson of Allendale, and Zane and Atlas Quada of Hastings; brother, Edward Hemerling of Tamarac, FL; sister, Shirley Foster of St. Joseph; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife, Louanna, in 2016 after 67 years of marriage.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday, October 21 at 11:00 am at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph MI with Rev. Jeffrey Hubers of First Congregational Church officiating. Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the service, from 10:00 – 11:00 am. Burial to follow at Riverview Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to First Congregational Church (2001 Niles Ave, St. Joseph, 49085) or Caring Circle (4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, 49085).
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