LaVerne R. Willey

LaVerne (Vern) Richard Willey of Baraboo, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2017 at Oak Park Place at the age of 82. LaVerne, son of Richard and Elsie (Klaetsch) Willey was born Aug. 4 1935 in Baraboo. He graduated from Baraboo High School in 1954. On Oct. 5, 1957 he enlisted in the United State Marine Corps and proudly served until his honorable discharge July 17, 1963. He was united in marriage to Gloria R. Eldred on June 14, 1968 in Caledonia, Minnesota. Vern drove truck most of his life, starting with his own milk truck, moving on to a dump truck for Overgaard and ending up as a freight truck driver for Gross Common Carrier. Vern grew up on a farm and never lost his love for the country. He raised Hereford cattle for many years and took pride in his tractors, eventually restoring the original Farmall H that his dad bought in 1944. Vern loved to spend time outdoors, working in his yard and tending his large garden and flower beds. When the weather kept him indoors, he could be found in his basement, working on another of his passions, his model railroad. He enjoyed listening to country music and watching sports. He was an avid Packers, Badgers, and Brewers fan. He especially loved the holidays, adorning his yard with lights and getting almost as excited as the kids on Christmas Eve. He cherished his family the most, and treasured every new grandchild that came along. He will be warmly remembered for his big smile and sense of humor. In the final years of his life, Parkinson's disease took its toll on his body, and he had to move from his beloved home in the country to Oak Park Place in Baraboo where he could receive the care he needed. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the caregivers and volunteers at Oak Park and Agrace Hospice for their exceptional care and for all the special little things they did to make his life there more enjoyable. Vern is survived by his wife, Gloria; daughters, Diana (Tom) Arrowsmith of Tomah, Doreen (Mark) Bidwell of New Market, AL, Gina (Mark) Anderson of Wisconsin Dells; son, Shawn (Lisa) Willey of Fond du Lac; step-son David (Walna) Lee of Casper, WY; 15 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his son, Jeffrey Willey, parents, and sister Janice. Funeral services will be held on Monday, Oct. 30, 2017 at First Church of the Nazarene in Baraboo at 11a.m. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Burial will follow at Fairfield Cemetery where military rites will be conducted. The Redlin Funeral Home is assisting the family.