Paul Kemling

Paul Kemling, age 91, of Aurora, passed away Thursday, December 15, 2011, at the Grand Island Veterans Home.

Funeral Services will be held 1:30 P.M., Monday, December 19th at the United Methodist Church in Aurora. Dr. F. Cole Fowler will officiate. Interment will be in the Aurora Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 - 7 P.M. Sunday at the United Methodist Church 1104 A Street in Aurora. Memorials may be made to the Grand Island Veterans Home and Aurora United Methodist Church. Higby-McQuiston Mortuary is in charge arrangements. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through the mortuary website at www.higbymortuary.com.

OBITUARY: PAUL KEMLING

Paul M. Kemling was born on October 23rd 1920 in Montgomery County, Iowa to Wilbur W. and Laura (Goltry) Kemling. When he was four years old, the family moved to a farm near Grant, NE. He was a graduate of Grant High School. He enlisted in the Army Air Corp on September 14, 1942 and served as a mechanic until his discharge on December 9, 1943, due to the death of his father. Being the second oldest of seven boys, he returned home to assist his mother on the farm and help raise his younger brothers.

Paul’s mother instilled in her children the importance of living out their faith in their daily lives, and they seldom missed Sunday church. Paul talked about how even on snowy days, they would faithfully make the trek to town. He was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, and he and Jackie modeled for their children the same dedication.

While serving as a recreational leader with the State Department of Agriculture’s Rural Youth program, Paul met his wife Harriet “Jackie” Saddler. The two were married on December 21, 1947 and the Lord blessed them with three children, Michael, Patty, and Jeannie.

Paul graduated from the University of Nebraska with an agronomy degree and began farming outside of Aurora. He and his brother Orville bred and raced thoroughbreds in Nebraska and nationwide. They were inducted into the Nebraska Racing Hall of Fame along with two of their most successful horses, Amadevil and Roman Zipper. Paul served on the Nebraska Thoroughbred Breeders Association Board of Directors.

For twenty-eight years, Paul was a member of the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners. He also served as the Nebraska Association of County Officials (NACO) President and was named outstanding NACO member in 1991. Prior to being elected as County Commissioner, Paul had served on the fair board, noxious weed district board, and the ASCS county committee.

One of Paul’s greatest enjoyments was watching his children and grandchildren participate in sporting events and other school activities. He was an avid Husker fan and always looked forward to Saturday football games. He loved watching a newborn foal struggle to its feet and the playful antics of yearlings in the pasture. Paul always said he did his best thinking while mowing and raking hay, which he had plenty of time for during his many years of custom baling.

Last but not least, Paul loved serving the people of Hamilton County. He was known as a mediator; a man who was a good listener and always thought things through before making decisions. He will be remembered for his excellent work ethic and his humble spirit.

He is survived by his wife Jackie of Aurora, his children Michael (Sue) Kemling of Grand Island, Patty (Craig) Glause of Chapman, Jeannie (Larry) Siebert of Henderson; eight grandchildren, Brian, Chuck (René), Mike, and Amanda Kemling, Amy and Shelley Glause, Jamie and Rick Siebert; and seven great-grandchildren. Also surviving are brothers Glendon (Glenice) Kemling of Ridge, New York and Dwight (Ruth) Kemling of Lincoln, and many nieces and nephews.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents Wilbur W. and Laura Kemling, and brothers Max, Dale, Orville and Bob Kemling.