Vernon E. Awes

Pastor Vern, I will never forget you! You were so special to me when I was a teenager growing up, trying to find what and where I should venture with my life; influencing silently the choices I would make. Your hug, conversation, smile and the way you could make me feel was so genuinely special. In addition, I "Thank You" for being the minister who married me. I hope you and your family can rest in peace knowing the great impact your huge heart has made to so many. May you find eternal happiness and comfort in the Lord's eternal promise. Go in Peace and Serve the Lord.

Pastor Awes and Marlys showed me the love of Christ when I was a young officer, wife and mother far from home on the island of Guam. You baptized my first born son, wading in the Philippine Sea and singing "Jesus Loves Me this I Know." You used to say that "Go Tell it on the Mountain" was our song at the Lutheran Church of Guam because Guam was just an underwater mountain. I will think of you when I sing that song this Christmas. With love and gratitude!

Just a few more highlights of my Dad's life.

Pastor Awes and I connected instantly when we first met. I was on the Call Committee for a new pastor for St. John's Lutheran Church in Mazomanie. He was only slightly taller than me, and I could nearly look him in the eye! We always laughed about that. He was always so vibrant, and we always loved it when he burst out in song during his sermons. What a wonderful man. My sympathy and love to all of you. He is now with his loving wive Marlys again.

I served with Vern as a younger associate for 8 months at Black Earth, Wisconsin. His hugs as the people filed out after the service were memorable for me. I have since become a hugger, taking the same risk of maybe being misunderstood. It goes under the category of non-verbal communication for me now in Mexico where words in Spanish don't come so easily. Thanks, Vern for wearing your heart on your sleeve. Rennard Svanoe