Col Herman Joseph Vetort

Herman was the son of the late Edward and Scholastica Vetort of Cedar River, Mi. He was the youngest of 5 children.

Herman graduated from Stephenson High School in 1945. He then attended Northern Michigan University until he entered the United States Military Academy (West Point) in 1947. He graduated from West Point in 1951 and was commissioned in the Armor Branch of the regular army. He spent his career commanding tank and armored cavalry units from platoon through brigade level.

During his 30 year military career, he earned the Legion of Merit (OLC), the Army Commendation Medal, Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device (2 OLC), the Meritorious Service Medal and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge. In 1964, he earned a MA from Columbia University.

When not working, he enjoyed watching and playing sports, especially handball, fishing and golf. After he retired, he also enjoyed spending time at their cabin in the UP. A devout catholic his entire life, Herman was a member of the Knight’s of Columbus and served as an usher throughout his life.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, the former Alice Lesperance, also from Stephenson and his four children, Kathryn Hoffeld (Ted) of Baytown, Tx, Barbara Tiffany (Ken) of E Lansing, Mi, Edward Vetort (Diane) of Ypsilanti, Mi and John Vetort (Andrew) of Grosse Ile, Mi. He is also survived by five grandchildren, John Tiffany, Andrew Tiffany, Matthew Vetort, Kaitlyn Hoffeld and Lauren Hoffeld.

Visitation and Rosary will be from 4-7pm Thursday April 4 at Muehlig Funeral Chapel with a funeral mass Friday April 5 at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church of Ann Arbor.

Burial will take place at a later date in Stephenson, Michigan.