Obituary for Henry Gerald Wedemeier

Henry Gerald Wedemeier, 77, of Hawkeye, IA died Thursday March 13, 2008 at the Palmer Memorial Hospital in West Union after a long illness. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday March 17, 2008 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hawkeye by Pastor William Horn. The family will greet friends and family after 10:00 A.M. at the church. Military Honors performed by American Legion Post 312. Per his wishes, he has been cremated. Survivors include his wife Marilyn; two daughters, Candace (Steve Schneider) Robinson of Independence, and Kimberly (Brian) Klinefelter of Fairfax; two sons, Kent (Debra) Wedemeier of Cedar Rapids and Kerry (Kara) Wedemeier of West Union; and a brother, Allan (Sharon) Wedemeier of AZ. Also surviving are seven grandchildren, Michael, Heather, Emily, Jared, Devann, Ian, and Drew; mother-in-law Hazel Burkhart; sister-in law Shirley (Kenneth) Brockhouse; and several nieces and nephews. His parents and his father-in-law preceded Henry in death. Henry was born March 30, 1930, in Waverly, the son of Arnold and Charlotte Wedemeier. He attended country school at Harlan #1 and graduated from Maynard High School in 1947. Henry enlisted with the US Army on December 5th 1951 and served until 1953. Upon his return stateside, he worked 13 years in construction for Reckhemmer Construction in Oelwein and later moved to Hawkeye were he eventually retired as City Maintenance Supervisor. He married Marilyn Burkhart on February 14, 1955 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hawkeye by Pastor Sagert. Henry was dedicated to the city of Hawkeye. He served as a city council member from 1960 to 1968, was mayor from 1968 to 1972, served on the park board council for over twenty years, taught Sunday school for 35 years, superintendent at Trinity Lutheran and served on their council, member of Hawkeye Cemetery board, past fire chief and 33 years service with the fire department. After his retirement he enjoyed golfing, fishing, gardening, and time with his family. Henry was a member and past Vice Commander of Arnold Rogers Post 312 American Legion in Hawkeye, Sumner Country Club, and Trinity Lutheran Church. Memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church in Hawkeye, the American Cancer Society, or the Hawkeye Cemetery Fund.