Vernon Laffin

Vernon Dale Laffin, 83, Wausau, died Tuesday, December 12, 2017 at his home in Wausau.

Vernon was born May 13, 1934 in Wausau to the late Henry and Corinne (Smith) Laffin.  He faithfully served his country in the US Army from August 1956-August 1958.  Vernon married Judith (Marcott) Kolpacki on May 16, 1985.  Vernon and Judith celebrated 22 loving years together prior to her death on October 8, 2007 and would often visit her grave to talk to his beloved.  He worked with Wausau Window and Wall Systems for 35 years.

Vernon was a very direct man with a very large and soft heart for his family.  For all of his bluntness at times, Vernon was very proud of each member of his family and often worried about them.  Throughout his life he treasured his time spent outdoors sometime alone but often with family.  Early years saw the family camping at the Outpost Camp Ground in Tomahawk, snowmobiling, fishing at the Willow and hunting at the family hunting shack east of Wausau.  Countless precious memories were made at the hunting shack with the entire family and the Laffin Hunting Club.  In the latter years, Vernon developed a deep love of animals, especially his three cats.  He was meticulous when it came to cleaning his home and hunting shack and loved his daily routine.

Vernon is survived by his sons, Douglas (Jennifer) of Iowa City, IA, Dennis (Brenda) of Wausau and Dallas (Jeanine) of Wausau; stepchildren, Todd Kolpacki of Wausau and Kristine Kolpacki of Wausau; grandchildren, Shelly (Robert) Waldinger, Shena Laffin, Erica Laffin, Dylan Laffin, Zachary Laffin and Evan Laffin; great-granddaughters, Zoey Laffin, Ashlynd Laffin, Baylynn Laffin and Stella Waldinger; brother, Eugene Laffin, and extended family and friends.  He is preceded in death by his siblings, Arlene Krubsack, Lois Barttelt, Gloria Ahrens, James “Lauren” Laffin, Melvin Laffin, Floyd Laffin and Wallace Laffin.

The funeral service for Vernon will be on Sunday, December 17, 2017 at Helke Funeral Home, Wausau.  Pastor Jenn Collins will officiate.  Visitation will be from 1:00 PM until the time of service at the funeral home on Sunday.  Burial will be at Restlawn Memorial Park at 10:00 AM on Monday, December 18.  Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements; you may sign our family guestbook at helke.com.

Memorials may be directed to the family for a future charitable donation in Vernon’s memory.