Vernon Dean Kleinschmidt, 91, Beardstown, died Thursday, January 26, 2023 at Heritage Health in Beardstown.

He was born December 10, 1931 in Arenzville, the son of Herman Frederich and Anna Dorothea Lovekamp Kleinschmidt.

He graduated from Arenzville High School in the class of 1949 and married Bernita Kistner on December 2, 1956. Dean was a baptized and confirmed member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Arenzville, an active member of the Lutheran Laymen’s League, and a lifelong farmer in Cass County.

He is survived by his wife Bernita and together they raised five children; a son, Kevin (wife Theresa) Kleinschmidt of Arenzville and their children, Ken (son Myles) Kleinschmidt, David Kleinschmidt, and Paula (husband James) Hutchison (children Makenzie and Claire); a daughter, Tamara “Tammy” (husband Bill) Baptist of Athens and their children, Richard and Joseph Baptist; a son, Gale (wife Sherry) Kleinschmidt of Arenzville and their children, Stephanie (husband Rusty) Menge (children Ruger and Gracee), and Kyle (wife Terra) Turner (children Kylee and Rylee); a son, Brian (wife Lanette) Kleinschmidt of Arenzville and their children Adam and Anna Kleinschmidt; and a daughter, Nancy (husband Stephen) Barnett of Good Hope and their children, Philip (fiancé Daniela Salazar) Barnett, Jacob Barnett, and Zachary Barnett; a brother, Wilbur (wife Beverly) Kleinschmidt of Wisconsin; and a sister, Shirley (husband Ed) Treadway of Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Norman Kleinschmidt.

Funeral services were held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Arenzville. Burial was in Arenzville North Cemetery. The family met with friends from 10 a.m. until the time of services at the church on Tuesday.

Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials have been suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church and School or Lutheran Laymen’s League (LLL). Condolences may be left online at www.colwellmemorialhome.com or on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home.