Arlyn Hemme
Arlyn Calvin “Dutch” Hemme, 91, Luverne, died Tuesday, April 2, 2019, at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne.
A memorial service was Saturday, April 6, at Grace Lutheran Church in Luverne. Burial followed at the Jasper City Cemetery in Jasper.
Arlyn Hemme was born on June 22, 1927, to Henry and Emma (Dibbern) Hemme on the farm in Denver Township in Rock County. He was baptized and confirmed. Arlyn left the farm to attend high school, staying with relatives until he graduated from Luverne High School in 1945. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country as an operator of early radar until 1947, when he was honorably discharged. Upon his return, he enrolled in the University of Minnesota and graduated in 1952 with a Bachelor of Business Administration with distinction and a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering with high distinction. He was an active member of the Triangle Fraternity.
Arlyn married Gladys Bakke on Sept. 10, 1950, at the Jasper Evangelical Lutheran Church. Following their marriage, the couple lived in Minneapolis until Arlyn’s graduation. Upon graduation, Arlyn accepted a chemical engineering position with Union Carbide, and the couple moved to West Virginia. They initially settled in the city of Dunbar until Arlyn built a home in Cross Lanes, West Virginia, where they lived for 54 years.
Arlyn loved to read and learn. He was a detail-oriented, analytical problem solver, as well as an accomplished gardener and fruit grower. He was particularly fond of Catawba grapes and produced several varieties of homemade wine.
Professionally Arlyn was involved in projects that had national and worldwide implications. He was involved in experimental coal to liquid fuel conversion technology and in development of chemical components used by the first commercial plant to produce the insecticide known as “Seven”. Arlyn also participated in hosting a United Nations delegation of engineers from around the world in the 1960s. Arlyn spent his entire career at the Institute, West Virginia, plant and was respected for his historical and technical knowledge of the facility.
While in West Virginia, Arlyn and Gladys were members of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church where Arlyn was active in council, church choir and as a Sunday School teacher. In 1992 Arlyn and Gladys began spending the summer months with family on Lake Cowdry near Alexandria. In 1996 they purchased a summer home on Lake Mina, also near Alexandria. During this time, Arlyn volunteered at the Runestone Museum.
In 2006 Arlyn and Gladys moved back to a twin home on Oak Drive in Luverne. They continued to visit Lake Mina during the warm months. While living in Luverne, Arlyn volunteered with Lutheran Social Services, taking elderly shut-ins for rides in the country.
In January 2017 Arlyn became a resident at Poplar Creek Assisted Living Facility and in January 2018 he became a resident of the Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne. While there, he enjoyed puzzles, activities and card games to keep his mind active.
Arlyn is survived by four children, Diane of Ladera Ranch, California, Dwight (Audrey) of Chaska, James of Cross Lanes, West Virginia, and Douglas (Jenny) of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; five grandchildren, Adam, Jonathan, Claire, Morgan and Connor.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Gladys; infant daughter Deborah; two brothers, Glenn (Irene) and Russell (Elsie); and his parents.
Arrangements were provided by Hartquist Funeral Home of Luverne, www.hartquistfuneral.com.
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