Vernon Hempel

Vernon Walter Hempel, 90, of Granite Falls, MN, was called to his eternal home on January 9, 2012, at the Granite Falls Hospital surrounded by 4 generations of loving family.He was born on June 7, 1921 in Hanley Falls, MN, the 8th of 13 siblings, the son of Ernest and Anna Hempel. Vernon was baptized at St. PaulÂ?s Lutheran Church in Granite Falls and confirmed at the Hanley Falls Lutheran Church. He was united in marriage to Doris Thomasson on November 16, 1941. To this union, one daughter, Rebecca Ann was born.Vernon and Doris lived in Milan, MN where he was a trucker for Albert Lea Trucking. They moved to Granite Falls in 1950 where he worked for MooneyÂ?s Construction for a brief period of time before he joined Hempel Brothers Partnership Masonry and Bricklaying. He became a member of the Bricklayers & Allied Craft Workers Union in 1951 and it was a proud moment for him when he and his brother Donald were awarded their 50 year membership pins in 2001.He suffered a heart attack at the age of 54 and was unable to continue building the many area churches, schools and businesses (Bert Raney Elementary, Granite Falls Lutheran, MN West Community Technical College, SW State University, to name a few) that he took such pride in talking about throughout his entire life.He was a familiar figure to the business owners on Prentice Street where he stopped in to visit on a daily basis. He also enjoyed his visiting with Bobby and Joe at BobbyÂ?s Repair on Highway 212. Until just days before his death, he made early morning trips to Hardees to spend time with Lee and his coffee buddies. With a sparkle in his eyes and a smile on his face, his typical greeting was holding out his hand and saying. Â?How the heck are you? Put it in the vice.Â?His greatest passion was his family whom he loved, supported and served so many roles: parent, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great grandfather and friend. He had an amazing ability to forgive and forget, love unconditionally, and lend his wisdom and support. He did not judge or speak unkindly of others. He lived each day to the fullest; he did not dwell on yesterdayÂ?s disappointments or difficulties and had his own words to describe them - Â?water over the dam!Â?He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Becky (Gary) Coulter; grandchildren Jeff Baker of Granite Falls, MN; Julie Baker (significant other Doug ), Maynard; Jennifer Eid ,Big Lake, MN; Jason (Tricia) Baker, Ft. Mill, South Carolina; great-grandchildren Megan, Dustin and Mandy Baker; Drew, Kailey and Payton Eid; Kira and Alec Baker; Joshua Baker, Abigail (Dave) Bawden, Ana, Naomi, Mathias (Cathy), Savanah, Max and Grayson Baker; great-great grandchildren Jacob, Rylan and Hannah Baker; Mason and Jackson Bawden; brother Donald (Shirley) Hempel; sister Bernice (Otis) Torke; and sister-in-law Violet Thomasson; and many nieces and nephews.Vern (Â?TigerÂ?,Â? PapaÂ?) Hempel was preceded in death by his wife Doris in 2003; his parents Ernest and Anna Hempel; son-in-law, David Baker; brothers Ernest, Alden, Raymond; sisters Mabel, Rose, Emily, Darlene, Christina, Delores and Evelyn; great-great granddaughter Natalie Rose Baker.