August 20, 1924 – Thursday, September 3, 2009

Service Information
Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church
Saturday, September 4, 2009
2 P.M.

Visitation Information

Kenneth Dale Lemmage, age 85, longtime resident of Rockford and Rockford’s barber for over 50 years, was born in Sawyer, North Dakota on August 20, 1924 and died September 3, 2009.

Ken was the son of Mamie Mae Ingersol Lemmage and Samuel Harry Lemmage. He moved to Rockford, Minnesota at the age of 3, where he resided all the rest of his life. Ken served in World War II and also the Korean War. He was a trained pilot of the U.S. Air Force. In 1945 he was part owner and operator of a milk hauling service for the Rockford and Buffalo areas. They sold the business in 1949 and he went to barber school. Ken became a licensed Master Barber in January 1950. This was interrupted when he got recalled into the Air Force during the Korean War. Returning to Rockford in the spring of 1952, he resumed barbering.

He was baptized on March 6, 1947 at which time he was also confirmed by Pastor Samuel Baer into the Lutheran Christian faith. His memory verse was Matthew 24: 13, “He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.”

Ken married Verna Vergin in 1947 and together they celebrated 62 happy years of married life. They were blessed with 3 sons, Kenneth B., Tommy, and Barry.

Ken was a long time member of Cross Lutheran Church, a chartered member of the Rockford Lions Club, formed June 20, 1956, served as a school board member of District 883, when if switched from the Common to Independent District in the 50’s. Ken was also a life long member of the American Legion and charter member of the Rockford Area Business Association, formed March 27, 1979. He served on many other committees including the Elmwood Cemetery Board and served as their treasurer from 1987-2003. Ken had time for many hobbies including wood working, carving, and he was a great fixer upper.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Goldie, and 3 brothers, Gerald, Omar, and Ivar. He is survived by his loving wife, Vema, 3 sons, Kenneth B.(Debbie), Tom (Jan), and Barry (Cindy), 9 grandchildren, Cami (Chad) Stivers, Matthew (Kirsten) Lemmage, Zachary Lemmage; Jennifer and Michael Lemmage; Addie (James) Bohlin, Corrine, Daniel(DJ), and Joanna Lemmage; 2 great grandchildren, Samantha Stivers and Katherine Lemmage; and 1 step-grand child, Isabella Lupino.

Funeral service 2 P.M., Saturday, Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rockford. Visitation TODAY AT THE CHURCH, 4-8 P.M. Prayer service 7:30 P.M. Further visitation one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church.