Vernon J. Strutzel

STOUGHTON - Vernon J. Strutzel, age 86, of Stoughton, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at St. Mary’s Hospital. He was born on March 14, 1939, in Aurora, Minn., the son of Joseph and Elsie Carlson Strutzel.

Vern grew up in Aurora and graduated from Aurora High School. He proudly served in the United States Army and later earned an associate degree. A lifelong learner and adventurer, Vern also obtained his pilot’s license, a reflection of his curiosity and love of new challenges. He spent the majority of his life in Stoughton, Wis., where he built his career, friendships, and family life.

While working for the Illinois Railroad, Vern met Nancy Hoekstra. They married and together welcomed three children, Candice, Soni and Chad. Their marriage later ended, and Vern was blessed to find love again when he married Janet Tracy. Together they welcomed a fourth child, Aaron. Janet sadly passed away from cancer in 2004. Several months later, Vern met Barbara Corcoran at grief counseling. They married in 2008 and shared 15 years together until Barbara’s passing in 2023. Vern often said he was fortunate to have had three great wives, and he missed each of them deeply.

Vern was the owner of the Quill and Brush Gallery in Stoughton, where he shared his creativity and passion for woodworking and art for many years. He retired in 2017, though he never truly stopped creating. If he was not at home working on a project in his shop, he could often be found on the golf course at Stoughton Country Club, where he was a longtime member. True to his modest nature, Vern rarely mentioned that he had three holes in one, so his family is happy to share that accomplishment now.

Vern had a great sense of humor and loved telling jokes and playing lighthearted pranks on those around him. He enjoyed golfing, woodworking, traveling to Arizona, and most of all, spending time with his family.

Vern is survived by his four children, Candice Graf and her husband, Bill, Soni Haag and her husband, Chris, Chad Strutzel, and Aaron Strutzel and his wife, Jessie. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wives, Nancy, Janet and Barbara; his grandson, Jackson Dempsey; his parents. Joseph and Elsie Strutzel; and his sister, Marilyn Nickerson.

A celebration of life will be held at Stoughton Country Club, 3165 Shadyside Drive, Stoughton, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2026. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420