Laverne Larson Obituary

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.
To send flowers to the family of Laverne, please visit our floral store.