Kermit L. Svendsen, age 93, of Merrill, and formerly of Earlville, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, May 11, 2014, at Artisan Assisted Living in Merrill. He was born at home on February 24, 1921, in Dekalb County, Illinois, to the late Truman and Lilly (Larson) Svendsen. He was later married to Carlene Meyer in Peru, Illinois, on April 8, 1945; she survives.
Kermit grew up on his family’s farm near Triumph, IL. He later took over the farm and operated it most of his life. He was a long-time resident of Earlville, IL, where he and his family were members of Immanuel Lutheran Church. He worked at the Division of Motor Vehicles in Mendota and Sandwich, IL, for many years. He also worked at the Del Monte canning factory. Upon retirement, Kermit was a greeter at Walmart in Ottawa, IL, for over 20 years.
He was a member of the Elk’s Club where he enjoyed bowling. He was also a member of an Antique Car Club, the Mendota Community Theater where he acted in many plays, the church choir at Immanuel Lutheran for many years, the Triumph Curling Club and the Triumph Hardscrabble Minstrels. Kermit also helped mentoring high school students. He loved playing cribbage and traveling around the United States and abroad.
Survivors include his Wife of 69 years, Carlene Svendsen, of Merrill, WI;
his Daughter, Carol (George) Jorgensen, of Tomahawk, WI; his Son, Kent (Paula) Svendsen, of Plano, IL;
2 Sisters, Ferne Pierce, of Kirkland, WA, and Lillian Cantrell, of Tulsa, OK;
4 Grandchildren, Michelle (David) Ahrens, Jackie (Bob) Leonhard, Kendra Matheny, and Sarah Clarner;
8 Great Grandchildren, Nathan, Kristin, Aaron, Abrina, Lyrical, Ezra, Brody, and Drextyn.
He was preceded in death by his Parents and 1 Brother, Sidney Svendsen.
Memorial Services for Kermit Svendsen will be held on Monday, May 19, at 11 AM from Immanuel Lutheran Church in Earlville, Illinois.
Generations Funeral Home and Crematory of Tomahawk is in charge of arrangements. View Kermit’s obituary and leave online condolences at generationsfuneral.com.