Funeral services for Charles Kemery, age 77, of Bedford, who went to be with the Lord on Friday, September 2, 2011 will be held Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Faith Baptist Church in Bedford. Visitation will be held Monday at the Ritchie Funeral Home from 3 to 7 with the family greeting friends from 5 to 7. Private family interment will be held at the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. Memorials can be directed to Hospice of Central Iowa or the Bedford Ambulance. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.
Charles Andrew Kemery was born December 24, 1933, in Bedford, Iowa the son of Karl and Effie (Fitzhugh) Kemery. He grew up on his parents' farm and attended country school in Jackson Township. He graduated from Bedford High School with the Class of 1952.
Charles married a classmate, Virginia Joan Brown, on November 29, 1953, at the First Baptist Church in Bedford. Born to bless their lives were Gregory Charles on July 9, 1955; Terri Jo on December 12, 1958; Scott Brian on February 5, 1962; and son David Allen who died at birth.
Charles accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior during his high school years while at a youth rally. Whenever ill health affected his life, he would always say, "I'm a winner either way ~ if I die I'm going to heaven . . .and if I live I'll enjoy my life."
Charles served in the United States Army from 1955 to 1957. He qualified for his pilot's license following his army stint. Later he obtained his instrument and commercial license and spent many happy hours traveling by air. For many years he enjoyed taking his father for coffee and visiting with him every Saturday morning.
Charles began his working career with HDR in Omaha. In 1969, Charles and his family moved to Kearney, Nebraska where he became part-owner of Great Plains Engineering and Architectural Firm. He finished his career (and favorite occupation) as Buffalo County, Nebraska's Emergency Manager. He retired in June 2000.
He devoted his life to caring for his wife in her last years of life. Joan passed away on June 3, 2001.
Charles renewed his acquaintance with a high school classmate, Beverly Williams Thornton. A romance blossomed and they were united in marriage on April 13, 2002 at the First Baptist Church in Bedford. They were privileged to enjoy nine years together.
Charles loved to visit and tell stories. After he moved to Bedford he greatly enjoyed going to Godfather's each morning and have coffee with his friends. If anyone mentioned a restaurant in the USA . . . .he would recount his visit there and even recall what he ate!
After celebrating his 76th birthday with a surprise party, Charles' health quickly began to deteriorate which necessitated many hospital stays. He was always patient and congenial. On May 2, 2011 Charles fell and broke his left hip. Due to his heart condition he could not have surgery and from that day on he was bedfast and was lovingly cared for at his home by his wife Beverly. Hospice of Central Iowa added great strength and assistance to the family.
Charles became a charter member of Faith Baptist Church in Bedford when it was formed in 2005. He loved to sing and frequently sang solos and duets.
Preceding Charles in death are his parents, Karl and Effie Kemery; his infant son David Allen and his first wife Joan Kemery.
Left to cherish his memory are his soul-mate and wife Beverly Kemery of Bedford; children, Gregory Kemery of Bend, Oregon; Terri Richardson and husband Ritch of Omaha, Nebraska; Scott Kemery and wife Rhonda of Grand Island, Nebraska; several grandchildren, Dana (Aaron) Peterson; Tracy Schultz and Brent (Brooke) Richardson, all of Omaha, Nebraska; Miranda Kay Kemery of Grand Island, Nebraska; great-grandchildren, Elyse, Aiden and Kellon Peterson and Ava Kay Richardson; two sisters-in-law, Karen Melton of Omaha, Nebraska; and Betty Vrba of Wymount, Nebraska; an aunt Barbara Burns of Springfield, Missouri; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was also loved by four step-sons; Jay (Marilyn) Thornton of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Mark (Barbara) Thornton of Fairfield, Iowa; Layne (Joleen) Thornton of Gravity, Iowa; Murray (Christina) Thornton of Bedford, Iowa; along with nineteen step-grandchildren; and a community of friends.
We will cherish the memory of a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend.
Charles was a dignified man who had a way of always making you feel warm and welcome when ever he was around.
We will miss his great smile and laughter.
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November 14, 2011