Kermit V. Lohn , 89, Minot and formerly of Rugby and Mohall died on Saturday in a Minot nursing home.

Kermit was born May 5, 1919 in Norwich, ND, the son of Knute and Clara (Kristopherson) Lohn. He was raised and educated in Surrey, ND, graduating from high school in 1937.

Kermit enlisted in the United States Army on February 21, 1942. He served his country during World War II and was accorded a Bronze Star during his honorable service. Kermit was discharged on December 21, 1945.

He was employed as a salesman for United Film Services of Kansas City, MO and also for Acoustician Hearing Aid of New York for a few years. Kermit continued his education at Minot Business College, graduating in 1949.

Kermit attended and graduated from the American Academy of Horology in Denver, CO with a specialization in watch making and jewelry. He returned to Rugby, ND in the early 1950's, gaining employment with Pearl Lien at Lien's jewelry. He also worked part time at Greengard-Cranston as a salesman.

Kermit was united in marriage to Annette Ellingson August 15, 1954 in Rugby, ND. They moved to Mohall, where they purchased Foss Jewelers and the local variety store. They owned and operated the business until moving to Minot in 1968. Kermit worked at the Minot Air Force Base in civil service until his retirement in 1983. Following his retirement, Kermit purchased a franchise called PermaCeram, specializing in the refinishing of bathtubs. He operated the franchise for four years.

Kermit was a member of First Lutheran Church, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Elks Club and the Mason's Lodge, all of Minot.

His hobbies included woodworking, fixing, and remodeling projects around the house.

Loving family includes: Wife of 54 years, Annette, Minot; Daughters: Merrie (Dan) Council, Lodi, WI and Linda (Mike) Slind, Ryder, ND; Son: Steven (Linda) Lohn, West Fargo, ND; 4 Grandchildren: Emily and Lisa Council and Bryce and Brandon Slind; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Kermit was preceded in death by his parents, sisters: Dordie Festvog and Rachel Helgeson, brothers, Harold, John, Olaf, and Leif Lohn.

Funeral: Thursday, November 20, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. at First Lutheran Church, Minot.
Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot.
Visitation: Wednesday, November 19, 2008, from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials: Memorials are preferred to the Alzheimer's Association - 4550 W. 77th St., Ste 200
Minneapolis, MN 55435 or to an organization of the donor's choice.