Donald R. Hemerson

IN MEMORY OF
DONALD R. “DOC” HEMERSON

BORN
April 15, 1920
Bradgate, Iowa
PASSED AWAY
February 9, 2008
Kansas City, Missouri

FUNERAL SERVICE
10:30 A.M. Saturday
February 16, 2008
United Methodist Church; Sheldon, Iowa
Rev. Marvin Lindley Officiating

MUSIC
“In The Garden” & ”Here I Am Lord”
Soloist: King Hickman
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS
“Amazing Grace”
“The Old Rugged Cross”
Organist: Barb Burns

HONORARY CASKET BEARERS
Rod Douma Keith Rolston
George Sterler Merlynn Callenius
Fred Van Loh Ted Rensink
Bob Henderson Howard Henderson
CASKET BEARERS
Grandsons
Donald Robert Hemerson III David Smit
Bob Snyder Matt Snyder
Andy Snyder Jim Snyder
John Snyder Nick Snyder
Anthony Snyder Chris Snyder

FINAL RESTING PLACE
Military Graveside Services by the
Sheldon V.F.W. & American Legion Post #145
East Lawn Cemetery ~ Sheldon, Iowa

After the graveside service relatives and friends are invited to join the family
in the fellowship hall of the United Methodist Church in Sheldon.

Arrangements under the care of the
Vander Ploeg Funeral Home Sheldon, Iowa


Dr. Donald Robert “Doc” Hemerson, was born April 15, 1920 in Bradgate, IA, one of eight children born to Eva (Howell) and Albert Hemerson. He met the love of his life, Virginia McCreary, while attending Bradgate grade school. Fifteen years later, they were married on December 13, 1942. Shortly after, Doc served in the 7th Armored Division in the European theatre of World War II. He proudly served his country with distinction and was awarded both the Bronze Star and the Silver Star for risking his life to save a wounded soldier. Upon his return, Doc enrolled in Iowa State University, where he graduated with honors in Veterinary Medicine in 1951. He practiced in Manning, Iowa for one year. In 1953, he and his family moved to Sheldon, IA, where he practiced mixed animal medicine until his retirement in 1985. He was a dedicated veterinarian, who served three generations of farmers in Northwest Iowa. Doc passed away on February 9, 2008 in Kansas City, MO, with his wife of 65 years by his side and surrounded by many of the family that he loved so much, reaching the age 87 years, 9 months and 25 days.
Doc’s true passion in life was his family. Whether it was vacationing in Okoboji, fishing in Canada or attending family events, he truly loved being a husband, dad, grandpa and great-grandpa. One of the highlights of his life was the six trips that he and his wife, Virginia took with their eighteen grandchildren. Many lifelong memories were created during those adventures.
Doc was a member of the United Methodist Church, the Prairie Queen Kiwanis and the Sheldon V.F.W. all of Sheldon. The best way to characterize Doc would to say he was a “lover of life.” His interests included Iowa State athletics, politics, yard care, woodworking, music, travel, genealogy, telling stories, hunting and fishing. His well-known sense of humor was with him until the day he died. Doc fulfilled a lifelong dream of visiting Norway, the land of his ancestors in 2001.
Doc is survived by his wife, Virginia of Sheldon, currently living in Kansas City, MO; their children, Judith Gross and her husband, Bradley of Minneapolis, MN; Barbara Snyder and her husband, Wayne of Kansas City, MO; Dr. Donald Hemerson Jr. and his wife, Lorna of Greeley, CO; Cartha Smit and her husband, Gary of Wichita, KS; eighteen grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents and eight brothers and sisters including one in infancy.