Obituary: Laverne A. Michlig

Laverne A. Michlig, 76, Wausau, died unexpectedly of natural causes at his cottage August 24, 2013. He spent that day doing one of his favorite things, attending a community picnic with his special friend, Kathy Soma. Vern was born Aug. 17, 1937 in Cassel, Wis. to Alex and Dorothy (Koppa) Michlig. He graduated from Wausau High School in 1955. He honorably served his country in the U.S. Navy. Vern started his vending career in 1958 and started his own business "Vern's Vending" in 1977. He never missed a day of work due to illness. He formally retired eight years ago, however, continued to report to work at 5 a.m. every day since that time. Vern simply could not stay away from the friends and customers that he acquired over the years. He played fast-pitch for the Wausau Cafe Bar in the 1960s. With the birth of his children he turned to coaching and supporting them. His cottages were his sanctuaries. First on Papke Lake in Minocqua and later on Mars Lake in Monico. Vern found peace and relaxation with his hobby farm. He tended to his animals whether it was 90 degrees above or 10 below; his horses especially gave him comfort. Vern loved people. He seemed to know everyone's name. Be it at a church picnic, community event or on his vending route. If there was fun to be had, Vern was there. He lived life to the fullest. His true love and passion was for his family. He was a devoted son, brother and father. Above all his greatest pride came in watching his grandchildren participate in sports and other activities. Vern's most recent joy was becoming a great grandpa to baby Evan. He will be dearly missed by all and life will never be the same without him. He is survived by son, Steven (Kris), Rhinelander, and their children, Billy, Tyler, and Lucas Michlig; son, Michael (Laurie), Wausau, and their children, Ben, Rick, and Matt Michlig; daughter, Mary (Mike) Steffen, and their children, Amy (Jon) Danielson, Eric, and Michelle Steffen; daughter, Jane (Brian) Smith, and their children, Phillip and Jacob Hanke, Brad (Mary) Smith, Dan (fiance Sophia Ruff-Berganza) Smith; great-grandchild, Evan Danielson and the mother of his children Elizabeth (McCarten) Michlig. Preceded in death by his beloved parents; and his very special sister, Sharon Cybula. Funeral mass will be held at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2013 at St. Michael Catholic Church, 611 Stark St., Wausau. Rev. William Grevatch will officiate. Burial will be at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Marathon. Visitation will be held from 3 p.m. until the time of service at the church. Brainard Funeral Home, Wausau, is assisting the family with arrangements. Memorials in Laverne's name preferred to Alzheimer's Association, 2900 Curry Lane, Suite A, Green Bay, WI 54311. Condolences may be given at www.brainardfuneral.com