Vernon M. Naber, 81, 231 N. Main St., Minster, died at 12:45 a.m. Aug. 2, 2006, at his residence. Death was due to an extended illness.

He was born April 25, 1925, in Minster, to Lawrence and Elizabeth Sturwold Naber. On May 18, 1983, he married Wilma Dues Huelsman, who survives.

Also surviving are five step-sons, Randy (Thelma) and Brian (Gayle) Huelsman, all of Minster, Daniel (Emma) Huelsman, Sidney, Glenn (Shirley) Huelsman, of North Carolina, and Robin (Joannie) Huelsman, Celina; a step-daughter, Gay (Mark) Jackson, Columbus; two sisters, Mary Schmiesing and Norma (Waldo) Burchett, all of Minster; 18 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Deceased is a sister, Wilma Heinl.

He had worked at Minster Machine Co., Monnier and Com., Millers Cleaners and was the Minster village clerk. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving during World War II. He was a volunteer at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St. Marys, and a scorekeeper and a member of the chain gain for Minster Athletics, where he recieved the Minster Coaches Award.

He was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church, its men's choir and parish council, Minster. He was also a member of Knights of Columbus Council 2158, Fraternal Order of Eagles 1391, Civic Association and Life Squad, all of Minster.

He was past president of the Auglaize County Republican Party Board of Elections, Minster Kiwanis and Kiwanis International and a member of the Tri County Planning Commission. He was the 1980 Civic Association Citizen of the Year, 1993 Friend of 4-H, Kiwaniian of the year twice and 1991 grand marshal of the Oktoberfest Parade.

Funeral Mass is 10 a.m. Monday at the church., th REv. Louis Schmit officiating. Burial will be at the cemetery with full military honors by the Minster Firing Squad.

Calling is 2-7 p.m. Sunday and 9-9:30 am Monday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Minster.