Vernon Lee Penn, 85, 212 Plum Lake Drive, Sayner, entered his heavenly home Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009.

Vern was born July 22, 1924, in Wausau to the late Herman and Marion (Hermanson) Penn. Vernon was raised in Wausau, and treasured family gatherings in Vilas County. He was a graduate of the former Wausau High School. Vernon served his country honorably during World War II, serving both in New Guinea and in the Philippines, where he was assigned to the 570th Air Service Group of the U.S. Army.

Upon his return from the war, Vernon met his wife, Shirley Bohlein. They moved to Milwaukee, where Vernon worked for Roundy's Foods. Motivated by his love for Vilas County, Vern moved his family to Sayner in 1962, where he worked as a distributor for Standard Oil, and became a faithful member of Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church. Vernon later worked for the Wisconsin Department of Development in both Chicago and Madison until he retired in Vilas County.

In his younger years, Vern deeply enjoyed his family, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and square dancing. Vern was a volunteer fireman and an EMT for the Plum Lake Volunteer Fire Department. In his later years, he enjoyed church, family gatherings, playing cards, jigsaw puzzling, watching his grandchildren play hockey and watching football.

Survivors include three children, Sharon (Richard) Duginske and Gigi (James) Wood, all of Wausau, and David (Maria) Penn of Sayner; nine grandchildren, Amber, Rachel and Logan Duginske, Jamison and Crystal Wood, Kayla Ramker, and Alexander, Alycia and Dawson Penn; one great-grandson, Landon Ramker; his sister, Jeanne Smith of Wausau; many close nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; friend and former wife, Shirley Penn; and close companion, Betty Deverney. Vern was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Roland Penn; sister-in-law, Sophie Penn; and his brother-in-law, "Jess" Ray Smith.

Funeral services will be at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009, at Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church in Sayner. Pastor Dorothy A. Lindstrom will be presiding. Visitation will be from 2 p.m. until service time Wednesday at the church. Graveside services with military honors will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 30, in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau.

Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home, Eagle River, is assisting the family with arrangements.