Vernon A. Holmes

Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather Vernon A. Holmes, 72 years “young” of Hayward, WI, was born August 3, 1939, in Chicago, IL and passed away Saturday June 2, 2012 after a valiant fight for 4 ½ years with cancer.

He was a retired engineer and belonged to the American Packing Institute. In 2003, Vern published his first book “America’s Backdoor” and did a 6 state book tour. A second book “Ghosts of Immigrates Past” lies ready for publication on his desk in a now quiet office. He will always be remembered for his humor, optimistic attitude and passion for life. Vern enjoyed writing, woodworking, house remodeling, gardening, wildlife of Wisconsin, and traveling up route 61 along the Lakeshore of Lake Superior to Grand Marais. These were just a few things on his active plate of life.

Vern is survived by his wife Diane, seven children: Jeffrey (Lori) of Carlsbad, CA, John of Fox Lake, IL, Raymond (Marla) of Antioch, IL, Rodney of Chicago, IL, Kathleen of Durango, CO, Scott Puckett of Barnes, WI, Lori Scarpetta of Rockford, IL, 10 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, sister Betsy Paschke of Rolling Meadows, IL, brother in law and sister in law Don and Hazie Sadewater of Durand, IL, and best friend “Teddy the Cat.”

Vern is preceded in death by his first wife Joan Kuczkuda, son Jason S. Holmes, and parents Raymond and Julia Holmes.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society in Vern’s Memory.