Vernon Wittler

Vernon passed away on August 14, 2024 at Accura Healthcare in Spirit Lake. He was born in Cherokee, Iowa on May 16, 1940 and lived in the Sutherland area until 1946 when the family moved to a farm in Spirit Lake. Upon graduating from high school in 1958, he joined the Marine Corps, serving in California, Okinawa and North Carolina. He was honorably discharged in 1961, attaining the rank of Corporal.

Upon his discharge, Vern attended college, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree from Morningside College and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Iowa. His professional career carried him to Wisconsin, Texas and several cities in Iowa. 

Vern was united in marriage to Beverly Sauer in 1989 and they were blessed with their son, Jeffery. Vern loved being a father and coaching his son in baseball. He was a prolific reader, especially books on military history and the Marine Corps, following local high school and Iowa State football and spending time on the family farm. 

Vern was predeceased by his son Jeffery in 2010 and his wife Beverly in 2023, his parents Elmer and Bernice, his father-in-law Russel, a brother Roger, his first wife, Alice Hobbs, and his stepchildren, Charles, Mary, Pam and Lynn. He is survived by his brothers Dale (Egli) of Reedville, Virginia and Larry (Beverly) of Salem, Oregon, mother-in-law Gladys Sauer of Spencer, sister-in-law Bonnie Knight (Tim) of Spencer, and brother-in-law, Larry Sauer (Christie) of Ankeny. Also surviving are his stepdaughters, Cozy DeYoung of Clear Lake, Cindie Logeman (Rick) of Marion and Candy Ockeman (Richard) of Mason City in addition to many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Accura Healthcare for their wonderful care and love for Vern during his stay. 

Donations in Vern's memory may be made to the (DBSA) Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance 55 E. Jackson Blvd. Chicago, IL 60604 or through their website.

A Celebration of Vern's life will be held at the Senior Center in Spirit Lake on Sunday, October 6 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.