Vern E. Modine passed away July 6, 2019 in Lusk, Wyo.
Vern was born June 19, 1937 in Colome, South Dakota to Julius and Mildred Modine. He grew up in Colome and graduated high school in 1955. He joined the United States Marine Corp shortly after graduation and was stationed at Camp Pendleton as an MP. Vern was honorably discharged as sergeant in 1958. He then returned to Winner, South Dakota and went to work for Brown Oil Company.
Vern married Donna Brown in Winner in 1959, and two children, Misty and Tim, were born to this union. They later moved to Lusk where he continued to work for Brown Oil Company.
He married Theresa Townsend on July 6, 1974. They purchased the Lusk Liquor Store in 1977, which they owned and operated until their retirement in 1997.
Vern was very active in the Lusk Volunteer Fire Department, Lusk BPO Elks 1797, Niobrara Country Club, Harmony Masonic Lodge #24, St. Leo’s Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Wieten-Dupes American Legion Post #4 and the Cowboy Joe Club.
Vern was an avid golfer and a life-long Wyoming Cowboys football fan. He enjoyed sports, gambling, traveling and spending time with his friends and family.
Vern is survived by his wife, Theresa; children, Misty of Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Tim (Nancee) of Kalamazoo, Michigan; brother Leroy (Ina) Modine of Eureka, California; sister-in-law Phyllis Modine of Eureka, California; sister Shirley (Tom) Harder of Newcastle, Wyo.; step-children Gene (Claudia) Bartow and Vickie Scott of Lusk; nine grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.
Vern was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Dale (Iva) Modine, Harold (Phyllis) Modine, and Pete Modine; sister Donna (Ken) Drey; sister-in-law Jody Modine; son-in-law Jerry Scott; and grandson Chad Bartow.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Leo’s Catholic Church at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 11. Interment will follow at the Lusk Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lusk Volunteer Fire Department or a charity of the donor’s choice.
“Pier Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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