Laverne "Vern" Lee Larson

Laverne “Vern” Lee Larson, beloved husband, father, grandfather and dedicated servant to his

country and community, left us peacefully at the age of 76 on August 30, 2024 after a long battle

with cancer.

Vern was born on September 27, 1947 in Stevens Point, WI. He grew up on the family farm in

Rosholt with a strong sense of duty, honor, and compassion instilled by his parents Dorothy and

Linford. His early life was defined by a commitment to service, which led him to join the United

States Navy, where he served honorably for four years of active duty. During his tour in

Vietnam, Vern was a combat aircrewman performing amphibious assault missions. He continued

his military career with the Army Reserves as First Sergeant for 23 years, where he exemplified

the values of leadership, integrity and perseverance. Among his military decorations, Vern was

awarded the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Combat Action Medal,

several Army and Navy Commendation Medals, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Vietnam

Service Medal.

In his civilian life, Vern attended UW-Stevens Point where he earned a BA in Drama/English

Literature and his Master’s degree in Education. He went on to complete a Master’s in

Healthcare Administration from Cardinal Stritch University. His career led him from teaching to

leading Senior Living communities where he touched countless lives with his commitment to

community service. This was reflected in his lifelong engagement with professional and service

organizations including the VFW, American Legion, Leading Age Association, as well as

serving as president for the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #635. Vern served on both the

Board of Veteran Affairs and the Council on Veterans Programs for the Wisconsin Department

of Veterans Affairs.

Vern loved spending time outdoors—whether tending his big vegetable garden, planting flowers

in the yard, bird hunting with his dog Daisy, or more recently out on Okauchee Lake on his

pontoon. Family events always centered around his joy for cooking, from grill-outs on July 4th

to massive Thanksgiving spreads, always accompanied by his homemade pickles. He was known

for his big personality and sense of humor, and his presence will be deeply missed by all who

had the privilege of knowing him.

Vern is survived by his wife, Teresa, with whom he shared 37 years of marriage, as well as four

daughters—April (Tim) Petrie, Inga (Brad) Werginz, Morgan (Josh) Feldman, and Taylor

(Umar) Larson. Vern’s legacy continues through his 8 grandchildren—Daria, Bell, Sophie,

Elliot, Maren, Liv, Dash and Bolt. Vern also leaves behind his siblings Pam Bootz, Paul Larson,

and Lynn Larson, and a large community of extended family, friends, and colleagues. He is

preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and Linford Larson, brother Perry Larson, son-in-law

Jeremy Drobnick, and his beloved dog Gatsby.

A celebration of Vern’s life will take place on Friday, September 6, from 11:45am - 1:00pm at

St. Jerome Catholic Church in Oconomowoc, WI. Visitation will be held at the church from

10:00am - 11:45am. Father John Gibson will officiate. A lunch reception will follow at

Pagenkopf Funeral Home in Oconomowoc from 1:30pm to 4:00pm. In lieu of flowers,

memorials may be designated to St. Jerome’s Church or Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter

#635 in Vern’s honor.

Our hope as a family is that Vern’s legacy of service and love will continue to inspire those who

knew him.