Henry F. Hermesch, 97, of Kelly, KS, died Friday afternoon, October 29, 2010 at the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca.

He was born Aug. 23, 1913, the eldest son of 10 children, to Joseph and Emma Boeckman Hermesch on the family farm south of Kelly. His parents were German immigrants. Henry’s first language was German and he learned English when he attended the St. Bede’s School in Kelly.

He married Antoinette Niehues on February 10, 1942 at St. Bede’s Church in Kelly. Following their marriage they moved to their farm north of Kelly where they lived continuously for over 67 years.

Henry was a lifelong member of St. Bede Catholic Church in Kelly. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #1769. He served as a Kelly school board member and township trustee.

Being the oldest son, Henry worked hard on his father’s farm using horses and a one-row planter and plow. His experiences with threshing grain crops in teamwork with his neighbors left indelible memories which he often fondly recalled. He took pride in straight crop rows, tight fences, and improvement of land for future generations.

He took pride in a loving and caring family, close neighbors, and friends of all ages. His values were faith in God, his family, hard work, and the importance of education and lifelong learning. His values helped him succeed through the difficulties of the Great Depression, two World Wars, family tragedies, and nearly a century of constant change.

Lifelong hobbies included visiting family and friends, attending family reunions and grandchildren’s sporting events, and playing card games. He was blessed with excellent memory. He traveled extensively including to Europe to visit his father’s birthplace and numerous relatives, and an audience with the Pope.

Survivors include his wife Antoinette; four children, Charles (wife Barbara) of San Antonio, TX, Jane Sextro (husband Michael) of The Woodlands, TX, Daniel (wife Jan) of Hiawatha, KS, and Susan Dannels of Vermillion, KS; a sister, Alfreda Kramer of Corning; six grandchildren, Jamie Truett (husband Randall) of League City, TX, Kevin Baldwin Hermesch of Waco, TX, Michelle Hermesch of West Des Moines, IA, Robert Hermesch of Hiawatha, KS, Natasha Greene of Converse, TX, and Natalie Greene of Manhattan, KS; and two great-grandchildren, Ryan and Alyssa Truett of League City, TX.

He was preceded in death by a son Robert, who died in an automobile accident on January 8, 1961; four brothers, Leo, Fredolin, Adolph, and George Hermesch; and four sisters, Mary Hermesch, Rose Glissman, Eleanor Schultejans and Florence Bergman.

Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:30 AM Monday, November 1, at St. Bede’s Church in Kelly by Father Arul. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 7 PM Sunday at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Memorials may be given in Henry’s name for St. Bede’s Cemetery, and sent in care of the family.