Rev. Kenneth Christian Heuermann

Rev. Kenneth Christian Heuermann, known to many as "Pastor Ken," passed away on Monday, November 4, at the Nottingham. Born on April 25, 1931, at the family home in Merrick, Long Island, he was the son of Alfred Anton and Hilda Lillian (Bahnsen) Heuermann. 

Rev. Heuermann attended public schools on Long Island and graduated in 1948. His higher education journey began at the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario, Canada, where he earned a B.A. in 1952. He went on to study at the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, graduating in 1954 with a Master of Divinity degree. His advanced studies included the University of Pennsylvania (1951-52), New College of the University of Edinburgh, Scotland (1956-57, Certificate of Advanced Studies), and graduate studies in Russian History at Syracuse University.

Rev. Heuermann was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Merrick, NY, and was ordained into the ministry of Word and Sacrament at St. John’s in July 1954. His first pastoral role was as Assistant Pastor at Parkside Lutheran Church in Buffalo from 1954 to 1959, a period during which he also studied at the University of Edinburgh. In 1959, he was called to serve as pastor of St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Camillus, NY, where he ministered until his retirement in 1992. During his tenure at St. Michael’s, he oversaw the construction of the current church building and its education wing.

A dedicated member of the Upstate New York Synod, Rev. Heuermann served on its executive board for twelve years and was elected vice president. He also served as a member of the Synod’s Music/Worship Committee, where he helped to plan annual Synod conventions and was instrumental in introducing two new hymnals to congregations in the Synod. Additionally, he served as a delegate to the Churchwide Assembly in Louisville, KY, and served three years on the Foundation Board of the Lutheran Home in Clinton, NY.

Active in his community, Rev. Heuermann was a member of the Solvay-Geddes Kiwanis Club, having served on the board for several terms as well as chairman of the scholarship committee. He was also elected to two five-year terms on the West Genesee School Board (1971-1981), serving as president from 1980 to 1981. He also contributed to the Fairmount Community Library Board for several years.

“Pastor Ken” was an avid traveler and considered himself fortunate to have traveled extensively to Europe, Russia, Japan, Egypt, and China, as well as three visits to the Holy Land.

Rev. Heuermann was predeceased by his parents; and siblings, Alfred A., George H., Alvena Schreiber, Thelma Hilliard, and Virginia Szkodzinski.

Surviving are six nieces and two nephews. 

In honor of Rev. Heuermann’s wishes, there will be no calling hours.

To celebrate Rev. Heuermann’s life, on Saturday, December 28, 2024, special music will begin at 10:30 a.m., at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, 5108 W. Genesee St., Camillus, followed by the service at 11 a.m. in the church. A luncheon will be held in the church Fellowship Hall immediately following the service. 

Rev. Heuermann will be laid to rest in St. Peter’s Church Columbarium, Manhattan.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Michael’s Lutheran Church 5108 West Genesee St., Camillus NY 13031.