Vern was born on September 6, 1934 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Edwin and Mary Wendel. He graduated from North Division High School in Milwaukee and was a pharmaceutical rep for the F. Dohmen Company in Germantown for 44 years. On November 21, 1953 Vern was united in marriage to Patricia Belzer at St. Leo's Catholic Church in Milwaukee. Vern was a caring, loving and generous man. He was always willing to help others, especially his family and friends with any tasks. He loved vacationing and experiencing new places and sights. He also enjoyed walking the entire city of Beaver Dam every month. Vern was very active in the Beaver Dam Lion's Club and was also a member of the Beaver Dam Lake Improvement Association, the Astro Investment Club, and St. Katharine Drexel Parish. He enjoyed volunteering at the Hillside Manor and spending time with his family and grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by the many people that were fortunate enough to know him.

Vern is survived by his wife, Patricia of Beaver Dam; his children, Sandra (Roy) Schehr of Madison, Mary Wendel of Janesville, Lisa (Jeff) Schulz of Beaver Dam, Stacey (Matt) Bremmer of West Bend, and Diane Wendel of Beaver Dam; his sisters, Delores Eckman and Marge (Don) Hering, both of Waukesha; his grandchildren, Jason (Lindsey) Howland, Patricia Bennett, Jonathan (Katie) Wendel, Cody Asboth, Kade Foresberg, and Tristan Foresberg; his great-granddaughter, MacKenzie Desjarlais. Vern is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. . He is preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Evelyn Troedel and Marion Anadell, and three brother-in-laws, Larry Troedel, Jim Anadell and Don Eckman.

A Funeral Service for Vern will be held on Monday, July 14, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. at Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 135 Keller Blvd, Beaver Dam, with Fr. Jose Gonzalez officiating. Visitation will also be held at the funeral home from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m. Burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery, with a luncheon to follow at the funeral home.

"We love you and miss you. You will be in our hearts forever."

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Beaver Dam is honored to be serving the family.

Click HERE to view Vern's Life Tribute Video.