Vernis F. Giermann

Vernis Frederick Giermann was born on November 2, 1937, in Kiron, Iowa, to Fred and Leona (Schultz) Giermann. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Stockholm Township near Kiron. Vernis attended country school and later graduated with the Kiron High School Class of 1956, the final graduating class from Kiron.

Following graduation, Vernis proudly served in the Iowa National Guard from February 1959 until February 1964. During his service, he earned the nickname “Gabby” because, despite the name, he was known for being rather quiet — one of the many reasons he was such a perfect match for Donna.

On February 12, 1972, Vernis was united in marriage to Donna Lile at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Stockholm Township. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and farming.

Vernis devoted his life to farming, raising pigs and cattle and tending row crops, while also lending a hand to neighbors whenever needed. He took pride in his work and built a good life through hard work and dedication. Just as important to him was supporting his daughters in all their activities, a devotion that later extended to his grandchildren.

A faithful and active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Vernis served in many roles over the years, including church officer, elder and council member, Lutheran Laymen’s League member, and Orphan Grain Train volunteer. If something needed doing at church, Vernis was often involved.

He enjoyed many pastimes and hobbies throughout his life, including Friday night bowling league, Euchre with his card club, camping, woodworking, creating yard art and stained glass, and tinkering as a gifted fixer of nearly anything. Vernis and Donna enjoyed wintering in Arizona, where he especially treasured time with family and helping Donna at the ceramics building. After retiring from farming in 2006, he also found great enjoyment on the golf course.

Vernis passed away on Thursday, April 23, 2026, attaining the age of 88 years, 5 months, and 21 days. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Leona Giermann; brother, Milton (Marlene) Giermann; and brother-in-law, Rollin Auen.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 54 years, Donna Giermann of Denison; daughters, Karla (Todd) Roush of Maryville, Missouri, and Kristy (Cassidy) Grimm of Burlington Junction, Missouri; grandchildren, Jonathon and Leanna Roush; step-grandchildren, Claudia and Ava Grimm; sister, Norma Auen of Kiron; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

Visitation with family greeting friends will be held Tuesday, April 28, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Huebner Funeral Home in Denison. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Kiron, with burial to follow in St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery near Kiron.

Memorials may be directed to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Kiron in Vernis’s memory.