Vernon Melvin Des Jarlais

He was born into a military family that served many years in our Country’s armed forces. His father, Robert Des Jarlais, served in France during World War I. Vernon’s brother Robert Des Jarlais served in three wars and Roy Des Jarlais attended the Naval Academy and served in World War II. His sister Kathleen married Robert Redlin who served over twenty years in the Air Force. His other sister, Maryanne, also married a military man.

Vernon was attending Teachers College when he joined the Marines in 1942 and entered officers training at Paris Island. Upon completion of his service with the Marines in 1943, Vernon returned to Teachers College, graduating with a degree in Physical Education. During those years, he was involved in sports of all kinds and served as a substitute physical education teacher and coach at Eau Claire State Teachers College. He also coached the basketball and lacrosse teams at La Crosse Vocational College.

Vernon enlisted in the Army in 1949 and served for over 23 years in Japan, Germany, Korea and Vietnam. His bravery and heroic actions earned him numerous medal and awards including the Japan Occupation Medal, Korean Service Medal with One Battle Star, Tet 69 Counter Offensive, and six good conduct awards.

Vernon was a remarkable man with a sharp sense of humor and brains to match. He was an avid sport enthusiast from tiddlywinks to the ponies. True to his quiet manner and quick sense of humor, if asked how he was doing at the track, he would say, “I never lost a bet”. Vernon’s dry sense of humor and sly smile will be missed by all those who knew him.

Vernon is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and one sister.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 am, June 17, 2011, at Saint Margaret Cemetery in Neenah.