Vern E. Modine Obit
Vern E. Modine
June 19, 1937–July 6, 2019
Vern E. Modine passed away July 6, 2019, in Lusk, Wyo. Vern was born June 19, 1937, in Colome, S.D., to Julius and Mildred Modine. He grew up in Colome and graduated high school in 1955. He joined the United States Marine Corps shortly after graduation and was stationed at Camp Pendleton as a military police officer. Vern was honorably discharged as sergeant in 1958. He then returned to Winner, S.D., and went to work for Brown Oil Company.
Vern married Donna Brown in Winner in 1959, and two children, Misty and Tim, were born to this union. They later moved to Lusk where he continued to work for Brown Oil Company.
He married Theresa Townsend on July 6, 1974. They purchased the Lusk Liquor Store in 1977, which they owned and operated until their retirement in 1997.
Vern was very active in the Lusk Volunteer Fire Department, Lusk BPO Elks 1797, Niobrara Country Club, Harmony Masonic Lodge #24, St. Leo’s Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Wieten-Dupes American Legion Post #4 and the Cowboy Joe Club.
Vern was an avid golfer and a lifelong Wyoming Cowboys football fan. He enjoyed sports, gambling, traveling and spending time with his friends and family.
Vern is survived by his wife, Theresa; children, Misty of Sioux Falls, S.D., and Tim (Nancee) of Kalamazoo, Mich.; brother, Leroy (Ina) Modine of Eureka, Calif.; sister-in-law, Phyllis Modine of Eureka; sister, Shirley (Tom) Harder of Newcastle, Wyo.; step-children, Gene (Claudia) Bartow and Vickie Scott of Lusk; nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren.
Vern was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Dale (Iva) Modine, Harold (Phyllis) Modine, and Pete Modine; sister, Donna (Ken) Drey; sister-in-law, Jody Modine; son-in-law, Jerry Scott; and grandson, Chad Bartow.
Visitation was held at 6 p.m. with a Rosary following at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 10, at Pier Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Leo’s Catholic Church at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 11. Interment followed at the Lusk Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lusk Volunteer Fire Department or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Pier Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.