Omer A. Hermreck

Omer A. Hermreck, age 83, of Garnett, Kansas, passed away on Monday, November 4, 2013, at the Anderson County Hospital in Garnett. Omer was born on May 22, 1930 in Greeley, Kansas, the seventh child of twelve of Christopher and Catherine (Pickert) Hermreck. Omer grew up in Scipio and attended the East Scipio School. His family later moved to Garnett. Omer joined the United States Marine Corps in 1951. He served in Korea during the Korean Conflict before being honorably discharged in 1954. He appreciated his time in the service, and said that the Marine Corps made him a better man. He met the love of his life, Connie, at a dance in Garnett. On January 29, 1953 Omer was united in marriage to Connie Holloran at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Garnett, Kansas. They were blessed with five children. They were married for 55 years before Connie passed away on January 19, 2009. Following his time in the service, Omer returned to Garnett, where he and Connie started their family. He began working in local oil fields and then at Payne Feeds. One fateful night of bowling led to his being asked to work at Warner Manufacturing. He started working in the cutting room and then later became the supervisor of the cutting department in 1984. He worked there for 33 years, retiring in 1993. He had a great work ethic, and he rarely missed a day of work. Omer also farmed and raised cattle with his brother-in-law Charlie. This led to them purchasing the "Ponderosa", which was a surprise to their wives. Aside from the joy he got from his family Omer loved the Chiefs and Royals, but most of all the Kansas Jayhawks. He loved the outdoors and took great pride in his home. Omer was a devout Catholic, often praying for all of his family and even his beloved Jayhawks. Omer was a member of Holy Angels Catholic Church, where he was also a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Connie Hermreck on January 19, 2009; six sisters, Maureen Walsh, Florence Shields, Doris Smith, Rita Osler, Joan Kramer, and infant sister Catherine; and two brothers, Leonard and Eugene Hermreck. Omer is survived by his son, Collin Hermreck of Wichita, Kansas; four daughters, Christa Griffiths of Garnett; Colette McDonnell and husband Richard of Garnett, Kansas; Courtney Hurley of Andover, Kansas; Cara West of Andover, Kansas; fourteen grandchildren, R.J. Griffiths, Jeremy McDonnell and wife Alicia, Derek McDonnell and wife Cindy, Lexee Cruz and husband, Jordan, Bradley Hermreck, Bethany Hermreck, Shante' Hill, Shelby Hill, Cameron Hurley, Kyle Holinde, Tyler West, Kolten Holinde, Jake West, and Brennan West; and nine great grandchildren, Emma Griffiths, Broc Griffiths, Jace Griffiths, Dylan Mars, Kaden McDonnell, Kaia McDonnell, Kennedy McDonnell, Griffin McDonnell, and Conlee Cruz; three brothers, Norman Hermreck and wife Jeannie of Temecula, California; Herby Hermreck and wife Claire of Temecula, California; Henry Hermreck and wife Peggy of Overland Park, Kansas; and 61 nieces and nephews and their families. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, November 8, 2013, at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Garnett, Kansas. Burial will follow in the Holy Angels Cemetery in Garnett. A rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. Thursday evening at the Holy Angels Church, with visitation following. Memorial contributions may be made to the Holy Angels Church Building Fund or St. Rose School. Condolences may be left for the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com