Norbert F. Kemna, age 88, of St. Elizabeth, died Tuesday, February 26, 2008, at his home. He was born in St. Elizabeth on November 5, 1919, a son of the late Frank and Mary (Rehagen) Kemna. On July 1, 1944, in St. Anthony, he was married to Elizabeth Marie Buechter, who survives at the home.

Norbert was a farmer and then worked at the Kemna Feed Store. He also helped install new underground phone lines for Alltell in the 1960's and then operated Kemna Café for 6 years. He then worked for Langenberg Hat Factory for 20 years until his retirement. Norbert loved music, dancing and coon hunting. He was a member of the St. Joseph's Sodality and St. Lawrence Catholic Church in St. Elizabeth.

Others who survive him include: eight children, Susan Sweeney and husband Jim of Lecanto, Florida, Mark Kemna and wife Mary of St. Elizabeth, Carl Kemna and wife Sharon of St. Elizabeth, Dinah Eddy and husband John of Meta, Nancy Libbert and husband Allan of St. Thomas, Curtis Kemna and wife Jeanie of Meta, Pam Otto and husband Richard of St. Elizabeth and Ross Kemna and wife Carol of Jefferson City; 24 grandchildren; one step-grandchild; 25 great grandchildren and 4 step-great grandchildren.

One infant child, three grandchildren, Brett Eddy, Jackie Libbert and Rickie Otto, one step-grandchild, Chuck Sweeney and six brothers and sisters, Joe Kemna, Herman Kemna, Leo Kemna, Emma Oligschlaeger, Alma Hughes and Beata Kliegel, also preceded him in death.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 29, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in St. Elizabeth. Rev. Francis Stuart, OSB will officiate. Interment will be in St. Lawrence Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday at the St. Elizabeth Community Center with a Prayer Service at 7:30 p.m.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the St. Lawrence Cemetery.