Darvin 'Darv' Matthew Jemming

Darvin "Darv" Matthew Jemming, 87, passed away on May 3, 2024, in Thermopolis, Wyo. A proud descendant of Luxembourg Catholic Immigrants, Darv was born July 10, 1936, in his grandmother's home in Alton, Iowa. He was the only child of Frank and Margie Konz Jemming. In 1938, they moved to Lincoln, Neb. His family later moved to Hastings, Neb., where his Dad worked at the Naval Ammunition Depot during WWII. Darv attended St. Cecilia's Catholic School in Hastings until the war ended and they returned to Lincoln. He attended Cathedral High School, was captain of their state championship basketball team and graduated in 1954. 

Darv met Mary Rotter during high school and married in 1956. They had seven children together.

Darv attended the University of Nebraska and remained a loyal Huskers fan his entire life. He then took employment with the Sears Roebuck Corporation, advancing to upper management over a twelve-year period. He then made a career change, joining Service Master Hospital Corporation, where he entered hospital management, rising through the ranks from housekeeping to lead administrator of hospitals from Illinois and Iowa to Utah, California and South Dakota.

Darv moved to South Dakota in 1982 and in 1988 married Pat Van Syoc, the love of his life and soul mate. They moved to Thermopolis, Wyo., when Pat was hired as the administrator of Canyon Hills Manor. In 1986, Darv opened his own business in Thermopolis, Granny's Donuts and Ice Cream, where he became the local soda jerk and a cornerstone of the Thermopolis community. After 12 years of success operating Granny's he retired to spend more time doing the things he loved. Darv was an award-winning photographer and was frequently published. He also was an antique and toy collector and loved doing beautiful restoration work, especially antique trunks; which he and Pat gave to every family member as gifts on their special occasions. He also was an avid skier, a genealogist and enjoyed golfing and travelling with Pat and his family. Darv also loved history, particularly the expeditions of Lewis and Clark. 

Darv was a humorist by nature with a dry wit. He frequently reminded family and friend – "Never kid a kidder." He was also very proud of his ability to recite from memory the entirety of Robert Service's most famous poem, The Cremation of Sam McGee.

Family members include children, Kathy (Steve) Jemming Corkery, Teresa (George) Jemming Hartman, Jodie (Todd) Jemming Palmer and Jonathan (Emilie) Jemming ; stepchildren, Leslie Barker, Darcy Patterson and Eric (Kristin) Van Syoc; 23 grandchildren; and 17 great grandchildren.  

He is preceded in death by his parents; sons, Darvin Jemming, Jr. and James (Paula) Jemming; and his daughter, Jennifer (Tim) Jemming Vranizan.

Rosary Service will be held Thursday, May 9 at 6 p.m. at St. Francis Catholic Church in Thermopolis. Funeral Mass will be Friday, May 10 at 10:30 a.m., officiated by Father Rodgers. Mortimore Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Messages may be offered at http://www.mortfh.com.