Vernon R. Vandersee Obituary (1950

Vernon R. Vandersee, 73, of Fort Myers, Florida, died Friday, September 8, 2023, at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. Memorial Service: 11:00 A.M. Thursday, September 14, 2023, at the Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home in Oelwein, Iowa with Rev. Susan Friedrich officiating. Visitation: 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. Thursday at the funeral home. Inurnment: Floral Hills Memorial Gardens, rural Oelwein. Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com Vernon Ray Vandersee was born July 16, 1950, in Sumner, Iowa, the son of Laverne Ralph and Gwennith Verle (Stewart) Vandersee. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Maynard, Iowa. In 1968, he graduated from West Central High School in Maynard. He then attended Northeast Iowa Community College in Calmar. Vernon proudly served in the Iowa National Guard. In 1970, he was united in marriage to Barbara Jean Michels. They later divorced. For several years he was employed at Farm Service and Spahn and Rose. For 43 years, Vernon was an over the road truck driver. He was very proud of the million-mile safe driving plaque he received. Vernon was a member of the Lions Club and volunteered with Meals on Wheels and Paint it Forward. He enjoyed fishing, cooking, fixing things and helping others. Vernon is survived by his 3 children: Debbie (Bryan) Manross of Denver, Tammy (Patrick) Nelson of North Liberty, and Daryl Vandersee of Oelwein; 4 grandchildren: Austin Manross, Ethan Manross, Quinlan Manross and Harper Nelson; mother: Gwennith Vandersee of Oelwein; siblings: Barbara (Dale) Lowe of Fairbank, Elaine Gallagher of Hazleton, Ruth (Richard) Wenger of Fairbank and Paul Vandersee of Newton; many nieces and nephews; and long-time friend: Roger (Bonnie) Carson of Hazleton. He was preceded in death by his father: Laverne; stepfather: Clarence Williams; and brother-in-law: Michael Gallagher.