NEW WELLS, Mo. -- Vernon E. Haertling, 74, of New Wells passed away June 1, 2007, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

He was born July 30, 1932, near New Wells, son of Benjamin and Hattie Meyr Haertling. He and Norma Richter were married May 23, 1954. She survives.

Vernon was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Wells. In 1991 he and his wife became members of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson. Vernon lived and worked on the family farm all his life, raising livestock, grain and dairy cattle. He enjoyed singing, dancing and listening to German music.

Survivors include his loving wife Norma, of 53 years; two sons, Stan (Chris) Haertling and their children Anna and Brett of New Wells, Christopher (Amy) Haertling and their children Allison and Jackson of New Wells; three daughters, Glenda (Tom) Nations of Jackson, Connie (Dan) Peiffer and their children Amanda and Blake of Jackson, and Bonnie (Bob) Schulte and their children R. J. and Megan of Grand Rapids, Mich.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Lillian Wachter, Helen Richter and Melva Schaupert; and a son, Glen Haertling.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Robert Henrichs officiating.

Interment will follow in Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of memorial contributions to the St. Jude Children's Hospital and sympathy messages may be sent to the family online at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.