Vernon L. Fuerst

VERNON L. FUERST
Appleton

Age 83, was peacefully called home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, February 11, 2003, at Rennes Health Center, Appleton. Vernon, an only child, was born on July 19, 1919, in New London, to the late Arthur F. and Elsie (Nipko) Fuerst. He was united in marriage to Ione “Onie” A. Hintz on April 5, 1942, in Appleton; they celebrated 60 wonderful years together.

Vernon was employed in the Circulation Department at the Post-Crescent for 43 years, retiring as manager in 1981. He was well known for handing out boxes of Chiclet gum to his carriers and their siblings when he visited with them. He was also involved in his father’s business, Art F. Fuerst Implement, serving as secretary and treasurer. Vernon made many friends through his involvement in the Appleton Heart Association and had been active in the Outagamie County Conservation Club. His love for his Lord led him to serve on many committees and boards at St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church, where he was also an usher, greeter and played on the dartball team. He was the most devoted husband, father and grandfather, who boasted to everyone that he had the best family in the world and was proud of each and everyone. He never had a bad word to say about anyone and put the best construction on everything. He let his light shine. Vernon loved fishing (especially trout), hunting, trap shooting and spending as much time as possible at the “shack” at Waubee Lake with family and friends. He loved to play cribbage, sheepshead and king’s corners with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He and Onie enjoyed traveling with family and friends.

Vernon is survived by Onie, his wife of 60 years; his three children, Judith (Galyn) Schulz, Greenville; Gary (Patricia Turk) Fuerst, Appleton; Bonnie (Roger) VandenLangenberg, Appleton; his eight grandchildren, Dawn (Douglas) VandeWettering, Todd (Sandra) Schulz, Tori (Randall) Kluess, Troy Schulz, Jaime (Matthew) Krause, Chad (Stacy Glidden) VandenLangenberg, Jenna VandenLangenberg, Erin VandenLangenberg; his eight great grandchildren, Kurt, Kyle Cody and Kayla VandeWettering; Brandon and Matthew Schulz; Taryn and Trystin Kluess. He is further survived by his sister-in-law, Helen (Ray) Schuette, Neenah; his sisters-in-law, Helen Hintz, Erma Hintz and Grace Hintz, all of Appleton and his cousin Victor (Lorraine) Handschke, who was like a brother to him. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Vernon was preceded in death by his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Mable (Walter) Palmbach, Ervin Hintz, Esther (Paul) Spletter, Elmer Hintz, Flora (Norman, Sr.) Hartwig, Dorothy (Frank) Biechler, Viola (Alvin) Ahrens, Frances (Richard) Fischer, Clifford Hintz, Ruth (Milton) Maass.

Christian funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2003, at ST. PAUL EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH, 302 North Morrison Street, Appleton, with Rev. Ralph Waack officiating. Friends may call at the Wichmann Funeral Home, Appleton on Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and directly at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. Entombment will be in Highland Memorial Park, Appleton. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established to benefit St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church, Fox Valley Lutheran High School or the Heart Association.

WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME
537 North Superior Street
Appleton 739-1231
www.wichmannfuneralhomes.com

We have been blessed by your kind and tender love through the years. You will be greatly missed by all.

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.