Rev. Vernon Jacob (V.J.) Shetler, 100, died Friday, October 3, 2014 at Highland Park Care Center.
He was born May 17, 1914 on a ranch in Sioux County, NE, the third child of Rolla Lester and Hattie Jean (Stewart) Shetler. He received a Theological Degree from Bresee Nazarene College in Hutchinson, KS and was a pastor in the Nazarene Church for 50 years. After serving the church in 9 states, Rev. Shetler retired in 1984 from the ministry, his last pastorate being at Elwood, IN.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Ila Madeline (Pearce) Shetler in 2003, 4 brothers and 4 sisters.
He is survived by 5 children, Janice E. (Morgan) Yewell of Frankfort, KY, Michael L. Shetler of North Charleston, SC, Gary B. (Kay) Shetler of Plymouth, MA, Curtis B. (Donna) Shetler of Hagerstown, MD, Timothy J. (Joyce) Shetler of Acton, MA, and a brother, John Claren Shetler of Norfolk, NE. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be Saturday, October 11 at 1:00 p.m. at the Hemingford Congregational Church with Pastor Jim West officiating. Burial will be in the Hemingford Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, 1-8 p.m. with the family present from 5-8 p.m. at the Bates-Gould Funeral Home in Hemingford.
Memorials may be given to the Hemingford Congregational Church, P.O. Box 397, Hemingford, NE 69348.