Kenneth William VerMaas, Sr., 97, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away on Sunday, September 1, 2024, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney, Nebraska.
He was born on March 1, 1927, in Sumner, Nebraska to Herbert (Slim) and Mary (Castleton) VerMaas. Ken joined the Army after high school graduation and was stationed in Panama. After W.W.II, he farmed near Sumner. He met Lola Wuehler in those years, and they married on March 12, 1952. Lola and Ken left farming behind to work in the Oil Industry. As always, Ken’s innate strength of character and physical ability enabled him to stand out to his superiors. He soon became a pipe fitter and then he and Lola traveled the United States as needed to work available jobs. Ken Jr. was born in Vernal, Utah and Yvonne was born in Sterling, Colorado.
In 1964, Kenneth and Lola decided to return to Nebraska where they worked hard to literally “build” a new profession and life for their family. Ken started VerMaas Construction and soon had a crew of workers helping him build homes in and around Lexington. Ken and Lola’s third child, Scott was born in Lexington in 1970. As usual, his stature and common sense enabled him to be an able leader of this venture. In addition, he and Lola bought the Busy Lunch and a Pool Hall and ran them while maintaining his carpentry business. Meanwhile, Lola was working as a Police Dispatcher. Despite their busy lives, Ken and Lola traveled the United States, first as a family, then as a couple. They drove to Alaska seven times.
Kenneth enjoyed hunting, golfing, fishing, as well as other sports. He was also a Lion’s Club member and served on the Lexington City Council for two terms. Kenneth was always a sports fan. He loved watching his children participate in various sports and later his grandchildren. In recent years he enjoyed watching great grandchildren compete in Jr. high, high school and college sports. One of the many special memories we all have of Ken were his hard hugs. He loved his family with intensity and enjoyed hearing about all their achievements.
He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Lola and children, Kenneth VerMaas Jr. (Melanie Nieveen Denney), Yvonne (Roger) Nunn, and Scott (Renae Bailey) VerMaas; 6 grandchildren Kenneth VerMaas III (Chellona), Kimberly (Rusty) Sutton, Alanna (Jeff) Crawford, Nathan VerMaas (fiancé Madison Hodge), Caden VerMaas, and Bailey VerMaas. Great Grandchildren include: Madison, Kalli, Abbriel and Camryn Sutton; Kenadi and Delaney VerMaas; and Jax and Maddox Crawford. Sister, Marilyn Ladwig, Brother-in-law Eddie (Karen) Wuehler, as well as nieces, nephews, and extended family.
He was proceded in death by his parents Herbert and Mary VerMaas, his in-laws Carl and Tillie Wuehler, his daughter in law, Janelle VerMaas, his brothers in law Bill Ladwig, Verlon Wuehler, Jerry Kapustka and Ray Fagot; sisters in law: Connie Wuehler and Mardell Schley; and great grand infants Sylvi Sutton and Lily and Liam Crawford.
Funeral Services will be held on Monday, September 9, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at the LexChristian Church in Lexington with Nate Lewis, officiating.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 8, 2024, with family receiving guests from 5-7 p.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington.
Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Lexington following the service.
Memorials are kindly suggested to the Lexington Lions Club, Lexington Fire Department, or the Lexington Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com