Memorial

Vernon Frederick Feuerhelm (Vern), of Summit Pointe, died peacefully on October 20, 2014.

“The Music Man” was born March 20, 1926, in Lansing, Iowa. He was the fifth of six children. Vern served in the Navy during WWII. When he returned, he studied music and met Pearl Baumbach, the love of his life. They were married on August 28, 1948.

Vern spent most of his life teaching music in six different districts, including in Washington, Iowa, and in Cedar Rapids at Washington, Kennedy, and Grant Wood. Vern created the first Iowa show choir, Happiness, Inc., at Kennedy, and he and Pearl wrote the Alma Mater and Fight Song for Kennedy High School. His love of music and of students created a legacy that touched many lives.  

Vern was an avid artist and created hundreds of miniatures. Some of his work is on display at Mercy Hospital. Also, whether playing in dance bands, playing piano at church and school and home, or listening to Bach, he lived through music. He loved his church, Gloria Dei Lutheran, where he conducted the choir for many years.

Most importantly, Vern was a family man. Surviving him are his children: Deborah (Michael) Mehegan of Cedar Rapids; Randy (Heather) of Cedar Rapids; and Bruce (Janice) of Burleson, Texas. His adoring grandchildren: Jennifer (Simon) Frost and James (Erin and son Preston) McArthur of California; Benjamin and Elijah of Cedar Rapids; and Jeff (Rebecca and son Jason) and Aaron Neal of Texas. One brother, Ron (Bernadine) and their family, as well as nieces and nephews, and his dog, Nicky, also survive him.

Vern was preceded in death by his wife, Pearl, and four siblings. 

Memorial donations can be made to Gloria Dei or to the Vern Feuerhelm scholarship fund at Kennedy High School.

Visitation: Thursday, October 23, 4:00-8:00 pm at Cedar Memorial. Services will be held at Gloria Dei Lutheran, 153 Cherry Hill Rd NW, Friday at 11:00 am.