William Kemna

William Lawrence "Virgil" Kemna, age 66, of St. Elizabeth, passed away Wednesday, November 16, 2011, at St. Elizabeth Care Center surrounded by his family. He was born in St. Elizabeth on January 8, 1945, son of the late William and Eleanor (Kliethermes) Kemna. Virgil was a 1963 graduate of St. Elizabeth High School. He was married to Judith K. Oligschlaeger in 1965. He was a lifelong farmer and also worked at Langenberg Hat Factory in St. Elizabeth, and retired from ABB in Jefferson City. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved to run coyote hounds, raise bird dogs and quail, and cut wood. His true love and passion were his 13 grandchildren. Virgil was a member of the St. Lawrence Catholic Church in St. Elizabeth. He is survived by four sons, John Kemna and wife Stacia (Markway) of Jacksonville, Florida, Bruce Kemna and wife Glenda (Bax) of St. Elizabeth, Brian Kemna and wife Vicki (Barton) of Lohman, and Robb Kemna and wife Abby (Doerhoff) of St. Elizabeth; one daughter, Kristin Buschjost and husband Mike of St. Thomas; 13 grandchildren, Ella, Lucy, Will, and Liza Kemna all of Jacksonville, Florida; Megan, Molly, Mason, Harper and Kane Kemna, all of St. Elizabeth; Owen and Grace Kemna both of Lohman; and Henry and Wade Buschjost both of St. Thomas; three brothers, Ralph Kemna and wife Mary, Victor Kemna and wife Ronnie, and Henry Kemna and wife Shirley; two sisters, Lenora Twehus and husband Joe and Ruth Doerhoff; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one brother, Patrick Kemna, one brother-in-law, Ron Doerhoff, and one sister-in-law, Velinda Kemna. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 19, 2011, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in St. Elizabeth. Fr. Ben Nwosu will officiate. Interment will be in St. Lawrence Cemetery in St. Elizabeth. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., with a prayer service at 7 p.m., on Friday, November 18, at the church. Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Lung Association. Arrangements are under the direction of Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in St. Elizabeth. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.fancher-rekusfuneralhomes.com.