Vernus Laverne Watkins

Vernus L. Watkins, age 86 of New Glarus passed away peacefully on June 10, 2012 at the New Glarus Home where he had lived for the past several years. His children were by his side. Vernus was born on February 15, 1926 in Blanchardville, WI, the son of George and Ella (Johnson) Watkins, and the stepson of Lee Morris.

He attended Blanchardville public schools and entered the U.S. navy in 1944 and was discharged in 1946. He married Mildred Bystol in 1948. Vernus worked as a cheese maker in Dodgeville until 1957 when he moved to New Glarus and was employed at the PET Milk Company in Belleville. After the company closed, he worked until his retirement in 1988 at Strickler’s Meat Market in New Glarus. He was a member of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church and was a member of American Legion post 141 with a continuous membership of 50 years. He enjoyed all sports, especially local high school sports, the outdoors, and driving around with his late dog Scooter.

He is survived by his three children David (Dianne) of Shelton, WA, Carol (Jon) of Gold Canyon, AZ and Linda of New Glarus, WI, daughter-in-law Joan Watkins, sister-in-law Catherine Palzkill, brother-in-law George Torkelson and brother-in-law Oscar Bystol. He especially enjoyed his grandchildren Pam, Jackie, Angie, Jason, Joshua, Matthew, Chris, and Abby, his 10 great-grandchildren his two great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Mildred E. Watkins, his son Paul, his sister Lenore and several sister and brother-in-laws.

Vernus was a man with a gentle spirit and a friend to all. Special thanks to all of the staff at the New Glarus Home for all of the care and love provided to Dad. Thanks also to Monroe Hospital Hospice.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 15, 2012 at the New Glarus Home Chapel located at 600 2nd Avenue at 1:00 pm. Please use the chapel entrance that is located on Elm Drive. Friends may call from noon until the time of service. Pastor Sara Thiessen of the Zwingli UCC in Paoli, WI will officiate. Burial will be held at Graceland Cemetery in Blanchardville, WI. Following the graveside service, there will be coffee and conversation back at the New Glarus Home Chapel.

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