GRATIOT - On Saturday, June 4, 2011 our family lost a good man of 93 years, many of which were full of hard work took Verne Downs from this earth but he will live forever in our hearts.
Verne was born April 4, 1918, in Seymore township, Wisconsin. He was a great man who lived an ordinary life. He believed in family, honesty, and hard work. Verne farmed near Apple River, Illinois until he moved to Wisconsin in the late 50's where they farmed until 1970. Verne also worked at the FS in Gratiot and the Gratiot township after retiring from farming. Verne believed in honesty and hard work. He taught his children kindness and compassion towards others and the world. He enjoyed Lawrence Welk, Wheel of Fortune, playing cards, music, going to dances, auctions, traveling out west on vacations and family reunions. Verne always had a joke to tell. His greatest love in life was his wife Beatrice (Plath) Downs of 70 years. They were married on July 12, 1941. Together they built a life of love, compassion, and joy.
Left to honor his memory, accept his wisdom, and remember his laughter are his wife Beatrice; three children- Linda Downs of Ottumwa, IA, LeArdith (David) Jacobson of Argyle, WI, and Randy Downs of Gratiot, WI; ten grandchildren- Dan Downs of Browntown, WI, Denis Martin of South Wayne, WI, James Peevyhouse of Meridian, MS, Walter "Jay" McClendon of Batavia, IA, Deanna Conley of Batavia, IA, Justin Myers of Browntown, WI, Robert Jacobson of Monroe, WI, Jesse Jacobson of Madison, WI, Kate Hipenbecker of Madison, WI, and Nick Downs of Freeport, IL; a sister Gayle Kohen of Warren; twenty four great-grandchildren; and 3 great great-grandchildren
Verne's spirit has now joined his infant daughter Leanna Downs, parents, Nelson and Kitty (Dodge)Downs, a brother Roy (Velma) Downs, five sisters- Kitty (Chub) Bennett, Floy (Semore) Salssa, Lennie (Ben) McGivney, Anna (Lester) Farrey, Sylvia (Charles) Cox, and two brother in laws- William Plath and Charles (Doris) Plath.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 7, 2011 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Bartell-Leamon Funeral Home in Warren, IL.
Funeral Service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at the Bartell-Leamon Funeral Home in Warren.
Officiating will be Pastor Bob Bennett.
Interment will take place at Elmwood Cemetery in Warren.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.leamonfh.com
Verne was born April 4, 1918, in Seymore township, Wisconsin. He was a great man who lived an ordinary life. He believed in family, honesty, and hard work. Verne farmed near Apple River, Illinois until he moved to Wisconsin in the late 50's where they farmed until 1970. Verne also worked at the FS in Gratiot and the Gratiot township after retiring from farming. Verne believed in honesty and hard work. He taught his children kindness and compassion towards others and the world. He enjoyed Lawrence Welk, Wheel of Fortune, playing cards, music, going to dances, auctions, traveling out west on vacations and family reunions. Verne always had a joke to tell. His greatest love in life was his wife Beatrice (Plath) Downs of 70 years. They were married on July 12, 1941. Together they built a life of love, compassion, and joy.
Left to honor his memory, accept his wisdom, and remember his laughter are his wife Beatrice; three children- Linda Downs of Ottumwa, IA, LeArdith (David) Jacobson of Argyle, WI, and Randy Downs of Gratiot, WI; ten grandchildren- Dan Downs of Browntown, WI, Denis Martin of South Wayne, WI, James Peevyhouse of Meridian, MS, Walter "Jay" McClendon of Batavia, IA, Deanna Conley of Batavia, IA, Justin Myers of Browntown, WI, Robert Jacobson of Monroe, WI, Jesse Jacobson of Madison, WI, Kate Hipenbecker of Madison, WI, and Nick Downs of Freeport, IL; a sister Gayle Kohen of Warren; twenty four great-grandchildren; and 3 great great-grandchildren
Verne's spirit has now joined his infant daughter Leanna Downs, parents, Nelson and Kitty (Dodge)Downs, a brother Roy (Velma) Downs, five sisters- Kitty (Chub) Bennett, Floy (Semore) Salssa, Lennie (Ben) McGivney, Anna (Lester) Farrey, Sylvia (Charles) Cox, and two brother in laws- William Plath and Charles (Doris) Plath.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 7, 2011 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Bartell-Leamon Funeral Home in Warren, IL.
Funeral Service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at the Bartell-Leamon Funeral Home in Warren.
Officiating will be Pastor Bob Bennett.
Interment will take place at Elmwood Cemetery in Warren.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.leamonfh.com