Vernon E. Haase, age 86 of Oberlin, passed away Sunday, July 22, 2012 at the VA Medical Center at Grand Island, Nebraska.

Vernon was born May 15, 1926 at Scotland, South Dakota to John and Hulda (Gemar) Haase. He graduated from Scotland High School with the class of 1944. Vernon attended South Dakota University.

In August of 1944, Vernon entered the U.S. Army, where he served in WWII. In 1945, Vernon was united in marriage to Eileen Vilhauer at Scotland, South Dakota. Following his discharge in 1946, Vernon returned to South Dakota where he started Haase Construction. Vernon and Eileen were blessed with 4 children, Gary, Dale, Marian and Rick. Vernon and his family eventually came to live in Omaha and Hebron, Nebraska before moving to Holdrege in the 1970’s. It was in Holdrege that Vernon met and married Peggy Alselmo. Vernon would later marry Lois Fisher, and the couple resided in Holdrege and Rome, Georgia before moving to Oberlin, Kansas in the winter of 2000.

Vernon was a gifted carpenter. He loved his trade and seemed to excel in the areas that required the most skill and patience. He prided himself in his ability to build homes from the ground up, as he was accomplished in plumbing, electrical, and all kinds of finish work. Aside from his trade, Vernon enjoyed watching sports and spending time with his family. Vernon was a member of The United Church at Oberlin.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, 2nd wife, Peggy; and his 3rd wife, Lois.

Survivors include his 3 sons, Gary Haase of Kona, HI, Dale (Margi) Haase of Milan, Italy, and Rick Haase of Rome, GA; daughter, Marian Haase of Omaha, NE; 8 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren, with another on the way; sister, Dorothy Kirschman of Colorado Springs, CO; and a special friend, Mary Ann Amack of Oberlin.

A memorial has been established in his memory.

Services will be held on Thursday, July 26, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at the Pauls Funeral Home Chapel in Oberlin with Pastor Judi Stricker officiating. Burial with military honors will be in the Oberlin Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Pauls Funeral Home in Oberlin.