Vernon Marshall Gest
July 23, 1930 - September 15, 2011
Obituary
MADISON- Vernon Marshall Gest, age 81, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 15, 2011. He was born on July 23, 1930, in Madison, to Raymond and Gladys (Thorp) Gest. Vernon married Marie Elaine Mayhew, the love of his life, on Aug. 16, 1952. Together they had 4 children, Lynn (Ross) West, Deborah (Dennis) Zeier, Bonnie (Scott) Halker and Terry Gest. Vernon served in the U.S. Navy as a Boatswain’s Mate Third Class during the Korean War on the USS Bataan. He retired as an engineer at Fort McCoy to purse his desire to return to nature and live in the beautiful northwoods country, Minocqua. Vernon was an avid hunter, fisherman, golfer and loved nature. He also had a creative side by painting, carving and being involved with theatre. As an adoring father, Vernon served as head scenery and set designer for the Picadilly Player’s (his daughters theatre troupe in Madison). He enjoyed teaching the fine yet competitive sport of badminton and tennis. In addition to his children, Vernon is further survived by his six grandchildren, Ian Halker, Shay Halker, Jonathan Zeier, Carmen West, Catherine (Steve) Dal Cerro (Nee West) and Elizabeth (Chris) Fugate (Nee West); and five great-grandchildren, Serena, Zoe, Theta, Andrew and Joseph. He was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife, Marie; and grandson Travis Zeier. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, with a luncheon immediately following. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens with military honors being conducted at the cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Monday. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family for a charity to be determined. Online condolences may be left at www.gundersonfh.com.
Cemetery:
Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens with military honors being conducted at the cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family for a charity to be determined.
Visitation will be at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Monday.
Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, with a luncheon immediately following.
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Memories
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Steve Hathcock
Other •
My heart goes out to Vern's family. I worked at Fort McCoy with Vern during the early 1970s. He was a very kind person with a great dry wit. We often talked about the Cherokee Indians and their great leader Sequoia. Vern is with his maker now...and will be in my prayers
Steve Hathcock
former Sparta Resident
WK
Wendy Knudtson
Other •
Vern was an awesome man. I got the pleasure of getting to know him at Eagle Crest and he meant a lot to me. I remember he was in his apt. crying one day because he was thinking about his daughter and her wonderful voice when she sang. He was touched by her beautiful voice. He shared many memories about his family and was so proud of all of you. My dad got to know him through driving him to appointments and my son would take him to the casino and they would hang out together. He said I was like a daughter to him and he always had to give me advice making sure I had gunny sacks in my car during the winter in case I got stuck and many other things. It was a pleasure taking care of your dad and making sure he was happy . He touched my whole family and will be greatly missed. God Bless
Wendy Knudtson
JC
Judy Cobb
Other •
I was shocked and saddened to read Vern's obituary and even more disappointed that I am unable to attend his services. My first meeting with Vern and Marie was in an office on the Causeway about 20 years ago. That meeting became a joke for the 3 of us for many years because they witnessed a man who was NOT a client come into my nice quiet professional office in the midst of a temper tantrum. We would always laugh about the cost of his disorderly conduct fine! After Vern and Marie moved 'up north', I would visit them while my husband fished in a musky tournament on the Chippewa Flowage. We talked about DRIP programs and spices and 'the girls'. I spent a few hours on phone calls listening to the release of emotions. Vern's intelligence and gentleness often reminded me of my own father so it was very easy for me to care about him. The blessing in his passing is that he is reunited with Marie. And, now he can indulge in whatever foods he chooses! I will miss his phone calls and our conversations. It's like losing my father all over again, but I know my loss is not nearly as great as that of Lynn, Deb, Bonnie, or Terry. Please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss. A really wonderful man has been called home.
MB
Marylou Biddlestone
Other •
My condolences on the death of your father.
I first met Vern at poker night. Trips to the casino followed that. I enjoyed knowing him and will miss him. We had a good time together.
Marylou Biddlestone
NJ
Nicole Justa
Other •
I was so sorry to hear of Vern's passing. I had spoken to him a few weeks ago, and as always, he made me smile with his quick wit. When he lived in Minocqua he would frequent my office at the bank about once a week, and we had many wonderful conversations about his life with Marie. His adoration for Marie was apparent in the tears he shed when he spoke of her. Vern would always tell me to "keep my powder dry". His humorous and insightful wisdom, always said with a smile on his face, is what I will remember the most about my friend Vern.
JW
Janice Werlein
Other •
My sympathies and prayers are with you as you grieve the loss of your wonderful Dad. Vern was always so kind to me and his gentle, generous spirit makes my heart warm when I remember him.