Two notable Columbus German Village figures of the 1950s were honored at the annual St. Mary Church and School Homecoming Festival held Friday and Saturday, Aug. 12-13. 

The festival,  which dates to the 1920s at the parish in the German Village neighborhood, honored Coach Ken Neville and Sister Mary Laurene Fetter through historic artifacts, photos and game-day footage displayed in the Specht Center.

Both Neville and Sister Laurene  are still applauded today for their lasting impact.

Ken Neville (left) was a former coach and teacher at Columbus St. Mary High School.   Photo courtesy St. Mary, Mother of God Church

“Ken Neville was my coach during my last year of high school, back in the day,” said James Moore. “He was a wonderful coach, and I have a lot of respect for him.” 

Neville, an alumnus of St. Mary School, was a successful football and basketball coach. He led St. Mary’s High School to the Class B state championship game in 1956, when the team finished as the runner-up after a 72-71 loss to Arcanum in the final. 

His daughter, Elizabeth Neville Hewey, said, “We treasured our time in German Village. It was a memorable, diverse community where neighbors supported and respected each other. Dad loved his players, students, St. Mary and the community. Nicknamed the Bear, Dad relished coaching and teaching.”

Sister Mary Laurene was known for her joy and generosity during 50+ years of teaching in Catholic schools. Originally a student at St. Mary, Sister Laurene joined the Joliet Franciscans and later was received into the novitiate in 1919. 

Although she took the name Sister Mary Laurene, her students fondly referred to her as “Laurene Honey” because of her sweet demeanor. Sister Laurene taught throughout Ohio and Illinois but found herself back in her home parish upon retirement. 

“The church here at St. Mary has a rich history and a nostalgic community,” said Father Vince Nguyen, the current pastor. “We’re excited to honor the alumni who helped shape German Village into what it is today. What better time to do that than during our homecoming festivities?”